
4 o .^^r^ 



• • s * * 







o •^ 







< o 




^^-^.J-. 









TJJl', NEW Cliljhc.il (,)f T-hTK P.' i^.i^TUK.'- .SnLlLr\ LN PLYMOUTH , MASj 

/'12* ,'' iy Mars?t . Caperi i: Lycm . Soyton, . I 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



TOWN OF PLYMOUTH 



FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT IN 1620, TO 
TH E YEAR 1832. 



BY JAMES THACHER, M. D., A. A. S. &c. 



Ask thy fathers, and they will show thee ; thy elders, and they will tell thee. 



/ BOSTONi 
MARSH, CAPEN & LYON 

183-2. 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1839, by Marsh, Cafsc!' 
A»D Ltow, in the Clerk's OflSice of the District Court of Masscchusotts. 



W*ITT AND DOW'S Pre SB. 



PREFACE 



The design of this publication is to present a minute 
iciarrative of the settlement of the oldest town in the 
New England territories. 

^ Those who have reviewed the numerous local histo- 
ries produced by learned antiquarians, may imagine that 
httle remains of pilgrim story for the exercise of anoth- 
er pen, but the gleanings which escape the research, 
or would not comport with the views of the technical 
historian, may yet be found to bear a peculiar interest in 
a^ memoir of less import, and should not be lost to so- 
ciety. There are, moreover, numerous events and in- 
cidents of more recent occurrence, which the antiquari- 
an would lament should be consigned to the shades of ob- 
livion. The author has endeavored to exhibit a faith- 
ful delineation of the characters of our venerated fath- 
ers, from whom we inherit civil and religious founda^ 
tions incomparably the wisest and best that ever a po- 
litical body bequeathed to their posterity. It is from our 
fathers, that we receive instruction in the radical prin- 
ciples,which are recognized at the present era as the im- 
mutable laws of the rights of man, and their noble a- 
chievements were highly prized and gloriously sustained 
by the sages of our revolution in 1776. Let not, there- 
fore, the sons dishonor their father's holy standard ; it 
was their ardent zeal and heavenly mindedness, that 
prompted them to commence the race of liberty and 
freedom, and their spirits, tracing through the eye of 
faith the glorious destiny of future generations, were 
sustamed by a holy trust. Thej may have had a pro- 



IV PREFACE. 

phetic vision of their descendants assembling in mag- 
nificent temples, gratefully chanting their father's prais- 
es, and inculcating those pure principles of virtue and 
religion which they assiduously cherished as the ob- 
jects of their fondest attachment. 

This work is the result of much investigation and 
research, the materials are derived from the most sub- 
stantial sources, as the Old Colony records, Judge Da- 
vis's edition of Morton's memorial, Historical society's 
collections, Belknap's biography, Winthrop's history 
by Savage. Hutchinson's history, and Baylies history 
of the Old Colony. 

Although this is not to be considered as an elaborate 
history, it may be presumed that no essential portion of 
local matter interesting to the antiquarian has been 
overlooked. The invaluable document furnished by- 
Judge Davis's edition of Morton's memorial will ever 
be resorted to with peculiar interest, and this consider- 
ation precludes the necessity, if not propriety of a more 
extended narrative. 

The author feels bound to express his acknowledge- 
ments to Rossetter Cotton Esq., for assistance from the 
public records, and to Dr Winslow Warren for his re- 
view of the manuscript, and to Isaac Goodwin Esq., of 
Worcester for useful communications. Other gentle- 
men who have encouraged the undertaking will please 
to accept of his thanks. We are indebted to George 
W. Brimmer Esq. for the drawings which embellish 
the work and for which our acknowledgements are due. 

James Thacher 

Plymouth, July 4, 1832. 

P. S. The author would be much gratified were it 
in his power to enter particularly into genealogical de- 
tail of families, but this would greatly exceed the lati- 
tude originally prescribed and swell the volume to an 
inconvenient size. Could he have indulged in his own 
personal feelings many more worthies would have been 
mentioned which are entitled to a kind remembrance. 



IN DEX. 



A. 

Adams, John, 165. 

Adams, John Quinc-y, 165, 229. 

A^awam, (Ipswich.) 21. 

Agawam, (Buzzard's Bay,) 156. 

Agriculture, 336. 

Agents for obtaining charter, 166. 

Akien, John, 31, 112, 167. 

his death and character, 163. 

. his descendants, 164, 165. 

Allerton,John,81,85, 
Alarm in town, 214. 
Almshouse, 366. 
Anecdotes of Tories, 208, 209, 

of Ma-sasoit,90. 

of Indian constable, 158. 

of Capt, M. Standish, 112. 

Andros, Sir Edmund, 161,162, 165. 
Anawon and Tispiquin, hard late 

of, 146. 
Anniversary of forefathers should 

be 21st, not 22d Dec. 25. 
. celebration of, 180, 181,186, 

192, 229. 232, 242, 246, 259, 

267, 276, 277. 
Anniversary ot Independence, 

269, 271. 
Assistants, 71,96. 

their salary, 134. 

Atwood, John, death of, 102. 
Aspinet, Sachem, 45. 
American Antiquarian Society, 

252. 

Archbishop Laud's arbitrary con- 
duct, 296. 

Arch stone bridge built, 239. 

B. 
Bacon, Rev. Ja.ob, 312. 
Balfour, Captain, and his officers, 

210, 211 
Bank, Plymouth, 368. 



Old Colony, 368. 

Savings, 368. 

Baptist Society, 322. 

Belknap, Rev. Dr. 112, 113,283. 

Bay of Plymouth, 352. 

ofMassachusetts,352. 

Beach, Plymouth, 356. 

Bell presented to the town, 225. 

Billington, John, first offender, 39 

— — executed, 86. 

By-law of the town, 2.33. 

Billington, Sea, 32, 346. 

Birth day of our nation, 24. 

^ of Washington, 278. 

Blossom, Thomas, 291. 
Boarding house, 366. 
Bookstore, '^66. 

Barque built at Plymouth, 99. 
Battle with Indians, 143. 
Bradford, William, Governor, 19, 

23,41,49,70,73,85,90,98. 

death and posterity, 113, 

117,354. 

— — his wife drowned, 23, 
114. 

Bradford, William, deputy Gov- 
ernor, 118, 354, 167. 

Bradford, LeBaron, 221. 

Brewster, William, Elder, 68. 

. death of, 103, 292. 

character and posterity, 292. 

Brooks and ponds, 349. 

Burial hill, 351. 

Bradford, Alden, 119, 248, 253 
277. 

Bradlord, Gamaliel, 119. 

Brazer, Kev. Mr. 278. 

C. 

Carver, John, first Governor, 18, 

37, .39 
death and burial, 40. 



VI 



INDEX. 



Clark's Island, first landing on,23 

description of, 359. 

sold, 165, 360. 

Clark, Thomas, 24, 355. 
Clark, Nathaniel, 162, 167. 
Clark's house destroyed, and peo- 
ple murdered, 143. 

Clark, Silver Head Torn, 143, 

Chilton, Mary, 31. 

Commerce and navigation, 339. 

Close of Colonial Government, 
167. 

Cod Fishery, 342. 

Cape Cod, first landing at, 15, 

Coasting vessels, 345. 

Cattle and goats disiributed, 81. 

Civic Festival, 224. 

Careswell, 109. 

Centennial celebration, 246. 

Centennial birthday of Washing- 
ton. 278. 

Cole's Hill, 29, 206, 355. 

Compact of the Pilgrims, 16. 

Combination against the settlers, 
62. 

Commission from King Charles I. 
296. 

Charier with the great seal, 85. 

Charter uniting the t\vo colonies, 
166, 

Committee of corre?pondence, 
and of vigilance, 200, 206. 

Committee respecting sale of spir- 
its, 241. 

Club, Old Colony, 179 to 198. 

Congregational Church, 289. 

Church, Leyden, 81, 85. 

Church of PlynK)uth send dele- 
gates to Salem ordination.85. 

conlem plated a removal, 

102, 291. 

Church membership, a qualifica- 
tion for freemen, 96, *299. 

Colonial confederacy, 100,101. 
Crumble, William, 321. 

Corn hill, 19. 

Cold Harbor, 19. 

Cannonicus, a Sachem, 49, 50. 

Corbitant, a Sachem, 45. 46, 48, 

63, 79. 
Cordage company, of Plymouth, 

365. 
Culprits punished, 41. 



. Cotton, Rev. John, Jr. 299. 

death of, 301. 

Cotton, Josiah, 176, 309. 

Cotton, Rev. John, 177. 

Cotton, Theophilus, 210. 

Cotton, Josiah, 177. 

Cotton, Rosseter. 178. 

Cotton, Ward, 178. 

Cotton Factoi ies, 364. 

Court house erected, 174, 335. 

Coppin, the pilot, 23. 

Cromwell. Thomas, 104. 

Crosvvell, Andrew, 308. 

Cow yard, 361. 

Colonies divided into three coun- 

ties, 157. 
Census at early periods, 168 
Census including families and 

house*, 332. 
Cows first brought over, 45. 
Cows lost on the passage, 86. 
Chauncy, Dr. Charles, 291. 
Cudworth, James, 125, 143, 150. 
Cushinan, Robert, 48, 69, 79. 
Cushman, Thomas Elder, 295, 

303. 
Cushman, Isaac, 80, 300, 305. 
Christian Society, 322. 
Commission frora king Charles II. 

131. ^ 

D. 

Davis, Capt. Thomas, 221. 

Davis, Thomas Hon. 229. 

Davis, William, 270. 

Davis, John Hon. 221, 249, 276. 

Davis, Samuel, 274. 

Davis, Isaac, 221. 

Davis, Wendell, 221. 

Deer in the forest, 338. 

Deer-trap, 19. 

De Razier visits Plymouth, 82. 

Deputies first sent for legislation, 

98. 
Dwelling houses, number of, 

333. 
Duel, fir«tin the colony, 19. 
Dawson, Captain, skirmish with, 

214. 
Drought, alarming one, 68. 
Dwight, Rev. Dr. his excellent 

remarks, 169. 320, 354. 
Deacons, duties of, 289. 



INDEX 



Vll 



E. 

Earthquakes, 97, 176, 178. 
Eells, Rev. Niilhaniel, 311. 
Ellis, Rev. 307. 
Eel, river, 349. 
Elder, duties of, 289. 
Embargo, 233- 

Engines, 346. ^ ,„ . , 

Execution of one of Weston s 
men, 55. 

of John Billington, 86. 

, of three young men, 97. 

oflhree Indians, 142. 

of a soldier foi desertion, 145. 

of Elizabeth Colson, 173. 

Ecclesiastical history. 281 to 328. 
Eel River church and society ,322. 
Everett, Professor, 267. 
Electors, qualificalions of, 167. 

F. 

threatenened in town, 



Famine 
68. 
Fanal, Captain, shipwrecked, 229. 

Faunce, Thomas, Elder, 29, 30, 

156, 303, 312, 355, note. 
First encounter, 23, 
First child born, 22. 
First patent, 67. 
First Jury, 70. 
First General Assembly, 98. 
First Selectmen, 105. 
First prison erected, 98. 
First water null, 86. 
First union of colonies, 100. 
Fishery, Cod and Mackerel, 342. 
Forefathers' day, 25. 
Forefathers' rock, 29, 201. 
Ferdiniind, Gorges, 297. 
Fortification., 53, 87, 92, 100,141. 
Fortune arrives with passengers, 

48. 
Fort Hill, 351. 
Frink, Rev. Thomas. 312. 
Fuller, Dr. Samuel, 85. 

death of, 89. 

Fuller, Samuel and Bridget, 131, 

(note) 304. 
Free schools, 329. 

G. 

Governors of Plymouth colony 



from 1620 to 1692, 168. 

Governor Winthrop visits Ply- 
mouth, 87. 

. his death, 104. 

Gorton, Samuel, 96. 

Goodman, John, and Peter Brown 
lost in t ^^ woods, 32. 

Goodwin, Nathaniel, 245. 

Goodwin, William, 269. 

Gray, Edward, and descendants, 
353. 

Gray, John, 354, 

Gurnet and light house, 359. 

Great herring pond, 347. 

11. 

Hampden, John, 59, 60. 

Hai bor of Plymouth, 352. 

Hills, 350. 

Hmckley, Thomas, Governor, 

156, 166, 167. 
Hatherly, Timothy, 69, 

death of, 135. 

Hayward, Beza, 275. 
Hobomok, 45, 46, 51, to 62, 63. 
Howl ami, John, 138. 
Horses first noticed, 120. 
Horse given to King Philip, 120. 
Hovey, Rev. Ivory, 307. 
Holmes, Rev. Abiel, D. D. 29, 

145, 232. 
Hunt, captured and sold natives, 

35, 44. 
House where the court held their 

sessions, 89. 
High pines, 361. 



1. 

Jenney, John 99. 
Jackson, Abraham, 159. 
Judsoiu Rev. Adoniram, 321. 
Iron manufactures, 362. 
Jones, master of Mayflower, 14, 

18, 55. 
Indians, description of, 38. 
Indian anecdote, 90, 158. 
Indian Pawaws, 33. 
Indian massacre, 143. 
Indian Sachems, miserable death 

of, 66. 
Indian prisoners, treatment of, 

146. 



vm 



INDEX. 



Indians sold for slaves, 149. 
Indian lands purchased for equiv- 
alent considerations, 145. 
lyamugh, Sachem, 44. 
Independency, 212. 

K. 
Kirkland, Rev. Dr. 112, 247. 
Kendal, Rev. James, D. D, 242 
251, 319, 324. 



L. 

Leonard, Rev. Nathaniel, 306, 

309,313,314. 
Little, Rev. Mr. Ephraim, 304, 

306. 
Laws and penalties, 94. 

against Quakers, 123, 126. 

against stiong drink, 149. 

against sale of tea, 200, 202. 

against smoking in the 

street, 233. 

regulating the Indians, 157. 

• of the colonv revised, 138, 

158. 

Location for settlement, 26. 

Lothrop, Isaac, death of, 175. 

LotJirop, Isaac, death and char- 
acter of, 235. 

Lothrop, Nathaniel, M. D, 273. 

Lafayette, correspondence with, 
264. 

Le Baron, Dr. Francis, and de- 
scen(!ants, 171. 

Light house, 359. 

Ly ford, John, 72 to 76. 

Lincoln, Levi Hon. 252. 

M. 

Mayflower, her burden, 14. 
■ arrives at Cape Cod, 15. 

names of her passengers, 16. 

enters Plymouth harbor, 26. 

returns to England, 39. 

Massasoit, Intiian chief, 36, 38, 

50, 52, 59, 60, 61, 62, 99. 

Morton, Nathaniel, Secretary, 
167. 

death, character and descen- 
dants, 158. 

Morton, Perez, 159. 

Morton, Maicus, 158. 



Manomit Ponds Parish, 307. 
Memorial, New England, 136. 

160, 161. 
Militia, 362, 
Magnanimity of the inhabitants 

of Plymouth, 205. 
Manly, Captain, 214. 
Monk's Hill, 214. 
Mills, 348. 
Meeting house erected, 296, 303. 

313, 320. 
Morton, Thomas, 84. 
Magee, shipwreckel, 216. 
Massachusetts tribe of Indians, 

47. 
Murdock, John, 174. 
Morton, Capt. Nnthaniel, 211. 
Manufactures, 362. 
Market, 367. 
Massacre of English in Virginia, 

53. 
Manomet Buzzard's Bay, 58, 80. 
Monumental edifice, 262. 
Meeting house, first parish, 324, 

327. 

N. 
Names of passengers in the May- 
flower, 16. 

of those who landed on 

Clark's Island, 23. 

f those who came in the 

Fortune, 48. 

of those who have deliver- 
ed discourses at our anni- 
versaries, 369. 

Narragansets, 45, 49. 

Nausets, 35. 

Non-importaiion of English 

goods, 199. 
Norton, Rev. Mr. John, 290. 
Newspapers, 365. 
New Plymouth first named, 28. 
Nelson, Capt. Horatio, 220. 



O. 



Oldham, John. 72 to 76. 

Old Colony Club, 179 to 19S. 

Old Colony B.nk. .S68. 

Oldest grave stone, 353. 

Old Colony Peace Society, 368. 

Orders by council of war, 103. 



INDEX. " 



P. ^ 



,a Quakers intrude themselves,120. 

Vainet river, ly. 2! laws and penalties against, 

Patuxet, 35. ^„ ,26. 

llrolult'atZr °f' Ji^ts. Q«ad;,ui„a_. brothe. of Mass. 

Plymouth laws, 94. j^ 

Paddy, William. 12T, 167,291. • 2^^ 2<,g 

'■""'l^Ofi'miBT '"''' lentous tenets of the Plymo- 

Persos'gad!,tt;d at Harvard thean fathers 289. 

Co,le'ge.332. Sr:e"VonTs'a,d "brooks, 346. 

PhiUp^ I^tan k,ng, 129, 142. B.ve.s. p ^^^ ^^^ _^_ ^^^ 

-Ph.hp s War 142. ^ „ ^^,^„„_ 286. 

= 'h'ijt JeS:"™s,"44. ^ — M^ f--eineuer,286. 
_ hiswi.^aud son captured, _- h- ^ea*, 78, 287.^^ ^^^^ 

"niedand decapitated, 144. his widow and son Isaac, 

— mT^ht^chfeT'us."''" "" P.ohi'n'on's church sentiments 
^^;fs''^^„ cruel fate of, 147, as to ecclesiastical government, 

Phlpptfsir William, arrives, 166. Robin'.on. congregational church. 
Patent fraudulently obtained by ^^^323. ^^^ ^h.^iUr, D. D. 
PategunlH^ngthetwo colonies, _-«• - ran*d"chrrfcter,3ia. 

« I -nrv RC! Rock, forefathers' 29, 201. 

Prophecying, 88. xvuv,^. 

Prince, Tiiomas Governor, 97, ^ 

Itath of, and descendants, Selectmen first chosen 105 

jgg Sausarnan, John, muidered, I4i. 

Provision made for pubUc wor- Sacrifice rock, 351. 
^shTpard public sdiools, 148, Ships Ann and Little James ar- 

J 49 rive, 69. 

SrS,1li,300,3i4, iS'JJ^hfppingpost.ae. 

Pkin deiding, 189, 3.50. Stages, 366. 

l:!i;:im s,|';%? V7. 276. fzj:qt....y school, 218. 

?™dfri/err bfo'^ks, 346. Sn^ith^^Rev Mr. Ralph, 84, 290. 
Peeksuot 64 Statistics, .U2 to 335. 

Fokanoket,seatofMassasoit,vis- Steamboat, 345. . 

it to, 41 59. fcsickness among the settlers, o^, 

Plymouth bp'acb, 356. 89,305. 

Pdscilla Mullens, anecdote of, Streets and squares, 333. 

112. Stamp act, 17». ^ 

Penalties inflicted, 93,105,106, Storm, tremendous, 91, 17^. 

135,137. S'^IT ' f QiT 

' South pond, 347. 



INDEX. 



Samoset visits the settlers, 34, 36. 
Standish, Capt. Miles, 33, 50, 57, 
58, 64. 

his personal combat, 65. 

his death, 111. 

Synod, 278, 398. 

Southworth, Thomas, 116, 137. 

Southworth, Constant, 116 , 137. 

167. 
Southworth, Mrs. Alice, 116. 
Shirley, James, 82. 
Style, old and new, 15. 
Scammel Alexander, 182, 185. 
Shays's insurrection, 221. 
Spooner, Ephraim, 29, 30, 242. 

death and character. 243. 

Societies, 367, 
Souther, Nathaniel, 167. 
Shipwreck at Cape Ann, 92. 

of Capt. Magee, 216. 

ofCapt.Farral, 229. 

Swords of Standish, Carver and 

Brewster, 112. 
Ship from Plymouth taken by 

Turkish man of war, 78. 
Squanto, 36, 50 to 52. 

death of, 56. 

Sampson, Capt. Simeon. 222, 
Sampson, Zabdiel, 272. 
Shaw, Ichabod, 259. 
Shaving mills, 219. 
Strawberry hill. 350. 
Stacy, Rev. Joseph, 306. 
Sullivan, William Hon. 276. 
Sargeant's paintings, 267, 268. 
Stores and warehouses, 345. 
Sprague, Samuel, 167. 

T. 

Terms of peace with Massasoit, 

37. 
Treatment of Indian prisoners, 

146. 
Town, spirited conduct of, 200 to 

206. 

provideslfor grammar school, 

2 J 8. 

petition against embargo 

and war, 233, 328. 
petition Congress to repair 

the beach, 2tio. 



Town sells the town brook, 348. 
reduced (o great difficulties, 

219. 
Town council, 156. 
Town meetings and proceedings, 

200 to 206. ^ 

Taverns, 366. 
Tories and whigs, 207. 
Thomas, William, death of, 105. 
Thomas, Dr. William, 228. 
Thomas, Joshua, 105, 

death of, 254. 

Thacher, Anthony, 92. 

Tea, sale of, prohibited, 200,202, 

Topography, 346. 

Tonnage, 341. 

Temperance, 368. 

Third church and congregation, 

310, 314, 321. 
Torrey, Deacon, 313. 
Thomas, Col. John, 255. 

U. 

Universalist Society, 323. 
Vaccination in town, 241. 

W. 

Watson, John, and son John, 173. 

Watson, George, death and char- 
acter of, 226. 

Watson, William, 240, 

Watson, John, 210, 248, 263,271 

Watson's hill, 36. 

Wharves and warehouses, 345. 

Wampum, 83. 

Wampum's war, 174. 

Warren, Richard, and descend- 
ants, 84, 

Warren, James, death of, 172. 

Warren, James Hon. death and 
character, 235. 

Warren, Henry, 238. 

Wads worth, Peleg, 182, 183. 

Whales at Plymouth, 20. 

Whale fishery, 343. 

Williams, Roger, 87, 290. 

WinsIow,Edward Governor, 36, 
59, 60, 63, 91. 

his death and character,&c. 

110. 

Winslow, Josiah Governor, 140. 



INDEX. 



XI 



his death and descendants, 

150. 
Winslow, General John, 153,154. 
White, Susannah, (note) 22. 
White, Peregrine, 22. 
White, Hannah, 40, 156. 
Whitetield, 311. 
West, Francis, 67. 
Wittawainat, 58, 64, 65. 
Weston's settlement at Wattagus- 

set, 64, 55, 65. 



Winthrop, Governor, 87, 104. 
Wheelock, President, 112. 
Wilson, Rev. Mr. 87. 
Webster, Daniel lion. 247. 
W^ashington,. death of, noliced, 

225. 

centennial birth day of,278. 

Whig and Tory, 207. 

Washey, a Chinese gentleman, 

240. 
Young men's celebration, 278. 




Fold-out 
Placeholder 



ut is being digitized, and will be inserted at a 
future date. 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH 



This ancient town, the cradle of New England, com- 
prised, in its original limits, the present town, together 
with Kingston, Plympton, Carver, that part of Ware- 
ham called Agawam, and part ofHahfax. Its Indian 
name was Patuxet. In its present state, it is 16 miles 
long, from north to south, and from 5 to 16 miles in 
breadth. It is bounded by Kingston on the north, 
Plympton and Carver west, Wareham southwest, and 
Sandwich, south. The whole extent on the east is bound- 
ed by the sea shore. It is situated in latitude 41° 58% 
and is 38 miles south of Boston. The bay, or har- 
bor, at the head of which the town stands is formed by 
a narrow beach, which extends from Marshfield south- 
erly six miles, the head of which is a high knoll, called 
Gurnet, on which stands the light-house; and by 
another beach, which extends from the mouth of Eel 
River in Plymouth, northerly about three miles. 
Within the Gurnet nose, and not very remote from the 
point of Plymouth beach, is situated Saquish and Clark's 
Island. Saquish is connected with the Gurnet by a 
narrow beach. On the shores of this bay, northerly, 
are situated the villages of Duxbury and Kingston. 

History, The imperious causes justly assigned by 
the Pilgrims for their abandonment of their native soil, 
the numerous obstacles which they were called to en- 
2 



14 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

counter, and their preparations for the hazardous voy- ' 
age cannot be admitted uitliin the designed limits of , 
this work, but the inquisitive reader is referred to | 
more elaborate histories, for general information. I 
shall therefore commence my undertaking with the 
period when the exiles first reached the shores of unex- 
plored New England, and were in search for the most 
eligible place for settlement ; and where is the event in 
Divine Providence more worthy of particular and 
grateful commemoration ? It is a delightful task to re- 
trospect to those interesting scenes when, in every step, 
we discover a christian's faith and holy zeal, and in 
every exigence, the guidance and protection of Al- 
mighty power and wisdom. While the establishment 
of a colony and an Independent Church was their pri- 
mary object, it was ordained, that our fathers should 
be the founders of an empire. It will be my pleasing 
employment to search ancient records, and collate the 
memorials of their cheerless days. Not a step do we 
take, but we trace the footsteps of the pilgrims; our :! 
possessions have been their possessions ; not the town 
only, but the whole country is a monument of their 
sacrifices. In portraying the history of the town, we 
disclose the essential elements of the puritan character, 
and demonstrate the noble spirit by which the puritans 
were actuated. 'Of all monuments,' says an elegant 
writer, ' raised to the memory of distinguished men, 
the most appropriate, and the least exceptionable, are 
those, whose foundations are laid in their own works, 
and which are constructed of materials, supplied and 
wrought by their own labors. ' — /. (^uincy, Esq^s. Life 
of his Father. 

It is incumbent, therefore, on the historian, faithfully * 
and impartially to transmit to posterity these materials^ 
that the noble fabric may with facility be constructed. 
The Mayflower, according to Secretary Morton, was 
of burden about nine score, or 180 tons, of which Mr. 
Jones was master. This ship after many discouraging 



1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 15 

vicissitudes sailed from Plymouth, their last English port, 
September 6, 1620; and having experienced a perilous 
voyage, tiiey made the land of Cape Cod on the 9th of 
November, and on the 11th, old style,* anchored safely 
in the harbor, having on board 101 English settlers, 
including 28 females who accompanied their husbands, 
and 42 children and servants. On their arrival their 
spirits aspired to heaven, and, falling on their knees, 
they blessed God who had brought them over the vast 
and furious ocean, and delivered them from many perils 
and miseries. 

Tlieir original destination was Hudson's River, that 
they might be within the Virginia patent; but the Cap- 
tain, being bribed by the Dutch Governor, conducted 
them to New England, which placed them beyond the 
protection of English charters. Tiiis providential 
event, however, proved auspicious to their enterprise, as 
the native inhabitants of this place had been destroyed 
by pestilence a few years before. On the day of their 
arrival at Cape Cod, they landed 15 or 16 men, headed 
by Capt. Miles Standish, well armed, to procure wood 
and reconnoitre the place. They immediately com- 
menced repairing the shallop, that they might explore 
the harbors and shores. Well aware of the indispensa- 
ble necessity of adopting a salutary form of government 

* Style is olrl and new. The correction of the calender by Pope 
Gregory, in 1582, was not adopted by the British parliament ill 
1751, wlien it was directed that eleven days in September, 1752, 
should be retrenched, and the third day of that month wns reckon- 
ed the fourteenth. Tliis mode of reckoning is ca led weif style. 
and the year was made to commence on the first of January instead 
of the twenty-fifth of March, Before the year 1752, there was 
sometimes a confusion in dates, beiiig diffirult to determine wheth- 
er January, February and a part of March clo^ed-tlie yr'ar, or be- 
gsn the new one. Hence tlie made of double dates, as March 
20th, 1676-7. This would be 1676 old stylf, because it would lack 
five day- to complete the year; but in the new style i iwould be 
'77, because according to that style the year commence < the first 
of JanuarVt and March is the third month in the new year. The 
double dating has not been practised since the year 1752, See note 
on pp. 23, 24. 



^^ HISTORY OF PLY5I0UTH. [1620 

to restrain the vicious and the perverse, after solemnly 
invoking (he throne of grace, they unanimously sub- 
scribed to the following judicious compact. 

' [n the name of God, amen. We whose names are 
underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereim 
lord. King James, by the grace of God, of Great Brit- 
am, 1^ ranee and Ireland, king, defender of the faith, &c 
havuig undertaken, for the glory of God and advance- 
ment of the christian faith and honor of our king and 
country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the 
northern parts of Virginia, do, by these presents, sol- 
emnly and mutually, in the presence of God and of 
one another, covenant and combine ourselves together 
into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and 
preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid ; and 
by virtue hereof, do enact, constitute, and frame such 
just and equal laws and ordinances, acts, constitutions 
and offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most 
meet and convenient, for the general good of t^he colo- 
ny, unto which we promise all due subjection and 
obedience. In witness whereof, we nave hereunto 
subscribed our names, at Cape Cod, the Uth day of 
November, m the year of the reign of our sovereiga^ 
l.ord King James of England, France and Ireland, the 
eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth, Anno Dom- 
ini 1620.' 

This compact was subscribed in the following order by 

TIT T , r. No. in family. No. in family. 

Mr. John Carver f 8 John Alden 1 
Mr. William Bradford f 2 Mr. Samuel Fuller 2 
Mr. Edward Winslow f 5 * Mr. Christopher Mar- 
Mr. William Brewster f 6 tin f 4 
Mr. Isaac Allerton f 6 * Mr. William Mullins + 5 
Capt. Miles Standish f 2 * Mr. William White f 5^ 

* Those with this mark Lrought their wives. 
t Thos-e who died before the^end of the next March are distin- 
guished by an astei ijsk. 



1620] 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 



17 



No, in family. 

(Besides a son born in 
Cape Cod harbor, and 
named Peregrine) 
Mr. Richard Warren 
John Howland (of Car- 
ver's family) 

* Edward Fuller f 
^ John Turner 
Francib Eaton f 

* James Chilton f 

* John Crackslon 
John Bellington f 

* Moses Fletcher 

* John Goodman 
*Degory Priest 

* Thomas Williams 
Gilbert VVinslow 

* Edward Marge son 



No. in family. 

Peter Brow^n 1 

* Richard Butteridge 1 

Geoige Soule (of Ed- 
ward Winslow's family) 
Mr. Stephen Hopkins f 8 
4 
3 
2 
2 
3 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 



^ Edward Tilley f 

* John Tilley f 
Francis Cook 

* Thomas Rogers 

* Thomas Tinker f 

* John Ridgdale f 
^ Richard Clarke 
Richard Gardiner 

* John Allerton 

* Thomas English 
Edward Dotey, Ed- 
ward Leister (both of Ste- 
phen Hopkins' flmiily.) 



* This brief, and comprehensive, and simple instru- 
ment established a most important principle, a principle 
which is the foundation of all the democratic institutions 
of America, and is the basis of the republic; and how- 
ever it nsay be expanded and complicated in our various 
constitutions, however unequally power may be dis- 
tinguished in the different branches of our various gov- 
ernments, has imparted to each its strongest and most 
striking characteristic. 

'Many philosophers have since appeared, who have, 
in labored treatises, endeavored to prove the doctrine, 
that the rights of man are unalienable, and nations have 
bled to defend and enforce them ; yet in this dark age 
the age of despotism and superstition, when no toiigue 
dared to assert, and no pen to write this bold and novel 
doctrine, which was then as much at defiance with 
common opinion as with actual power, of which the 
monarch was then held to be the sole fountain, and 
the theory was universal, that all popular rights were 
2* 



^ 



IS HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

granted by the crown, in this remote wilderness 
amongst a small and unknown band of wandering out- 
casts, ihe principle that the will of the majority of the 
people shall govern, was first conceived, and was first 
practically exemplified. 

* The pilgrims, fi^om their notions of primitive Chris- 
tianity, the force of circumstances, and that pure moral 
feeling which is the offspring of true religion, discover- 
ed a truth in the science of government which had been 
concealed for ages. On the bleak shore of a barren 
wilderness, in the midst of desolation, with the blast of 
winter howling around them, and surrounded wiih dan- 
gers in their most awful and appalling forms, the pil- 
grims of Leyden laid the foundation of American liber- 
ty.' — Baylies, vol. i. p. 29. 

John Carver v/as elected to officiate as Governor 
for one year. Seventeen days elapsed before the 
shallop could be repaired fit for service ; during the 
interval the new comers employed themselves in ex- 
ploring the shores in the long-boat, and traversing the 
woods on Cape Cod. On Monday, November 13th, 
the women were set ashore to wash, and their shal- 
lop brought on shore for repairs. The men formed a 
company to travel into the interior to view the land, 
and endeavor to discover the inhabitants: they were 
commanded by Capt. Miles Standish, well armed, and 
master Jones, of the Mayflower, being desirous of join- 
ing in the excursion, was made their leader. They spent 
two or three days ranging the woods, and saw five In- 
dians at some distance, but they were shy and made 
their escape. They discovered no houses, but found 
a large in n ship's kettle, and near it a considerable 
quantity of Indian corn in the ears, of various colors, 
buried under ground in handsome baskets. This was 
a new article to the settlers, and they availed themselves 
of the opportunity to supply their wants. They car- 
ried away the kettle and a quantity of corn, with the hon- 
est intention of replacing it when opportunity should 
offer, which they eventually did.. 



1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 19 

The place which ihey visited was Pamet River, 
now in Truro. Whilst wandering in the woods they 
observed a young sappling bent down to the earth, and 
some acorns strewed underneath. Stephen Hopkins 
said it was a deer trap ; IVlr. William Bradford, after- 
wards governor, stepping too near, it gave a sudden 
jerk up and caught him by the leg ; it was said to have 
been a very pretty device, made with a rope of Indian 
fabric, and having a noose so ingeniously contrived as 
to answer all the purposes of entrapping deer. When 
'the shallop was fit for service, 34 men embarked in 
her, and in the long-boat, on an excursion to explore 
the shores in search of a place for settlement. They 
landed at the mouth of Pamet River, in Truro, to which 
they gave the name of Cold Harbor, the weather being 
extremely cold and stormy. From hence they march- 
ed several miles into the woods, without making any 
satisfactory discovery, but shot two geese and six ducks, 
which seived them well for supper. In their travels 
they found sundry sand heaps, under which they found 
Indian corn, and named the place Corn Hill. They 
found also two or three basketf of Indian wheat, a bag 
of beans, and a bottle of oil. From this store they took 
to themselves about ten bushels of corn and beans, 
which afforded them essential relief, and supplied them 
with seed corn, for which they resolved to make resti- 
tution. Having marched 5 or 6 miles into the woods, 
they saw neither houses nor inhabitants, but came to a 
large square, having the appearance of a capacious 
burial-place. On digging in the ground, they met with 
mats, a bow, a carved boaid, bowls, trays, dishes, and 
trinkets. Under a large new mat were iw^o bundles ; 
on opening the largest, was discovered a quantity of 
fine red powder, in which was enveloped the bones and 
skull of a man. The skull was covered with yellow 
hair, and there were bound up with a knife a pack- 
needle, and pieces of old iron. It was hound up in a 
sailor's canvas cassock and a pair of cloth breeches. 



20 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

The red powder was a kind of embalment, and yielded 
a strong but not offensive smell. In the lesser package 
was the same kind of powder, and the bones and head 
of a little child ; about the legs and some other parts 
were bound strings and bracelets of fine white beads: 
there were also a little bow and some trinkets. Whilst 
searching in the woods, two of the sailors discovered 
two Indian houses, from which the inhabitants had 
lately departed. They were formed with long young 
sapling trees, bended, and both ends stuck into the 
ground and covered, tops and sides, with well-wrought 
mats. Within were found wooden bowls, trays, and 
dishes, earthen pots, hand-baskets made of crab-shells 
wrought together, also an English pail or bucket. 
Here were also deers' heads and horns, deers' feet, 
eagles' claws, two or three baskets full of parched 
acorns, and pieces of fish and herring. 

It now became a question with the settlers whether 
Cape Cod should be adopted as their permanent resi- 
dence, or search be made for a more eligible situation. 
In their deliberation on the occasion, different opinions 
resulted. In favor of the place, it was alleged, 1. 
that the harbor was convenient for boats, though not 
for ships : 2. there was good corn ground, as was evi- 
dent by the remaining stubble : 3. it is a place of profit- 
able fishing ; large whales of the best kind for oil and 
bone, came daily along side and played about the ship. 
The master and his mate, and others experienced in 
fishing, preferred it to Greenland whale-fishery, and as- 
serted that were they provided with the proper imple- 
ments £3,000 or £4,000 worth of oil might be obtained : 
4. the place was likely to prove healthiul, secure and 
defensible. But the last nnd special reason was the 
unfavorable season, being the middle of winter, the 
weather exceedingly tempestuous, cold and stormy, 
every movement attended with imminent danger. And 
whether a more convenient place could be found, was 
very doubtful, as no one was acquainted with the coun" 



1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 21 

try. On the other hand, it was urged, 1. that the 
shore was so shallow that the men were obliged to 
wade in water over their knees in going to and from 
their shallop, by which many had taken colds and 
coughs, whereof some had died : 2. there was a place 
caJled Agawam, alias Angawam, (Ipswich,) about 20 
leagues to the northward, which had been reported as 
an excellent harbor for ships, better soil, and better 
fishing : 3. there might be at no great distance a better 
seat, and it would be unfortunate to locate where they 
should be obliged to remove again : 4. there was a 
scarcity of water there, and none could be had without 
bringing it up a steep hill. Besides, Robert Coppin, 
the pilot, affii med that there was a navigable river and 
good harbor in the other head-land of this bay, over 
against Cape Cod, about eight leagues distance, where 
he had once been, and where a native having stolen a 
harping iron from .them, they named the place Thiev- 
ish Harbor. It was at length resolved to endeavor 
to make some further discovery within the bay, but not 
to range so far as Agawam. About this time an inci- 
dent occurred which might have been attended with 
fatal consequences. A son of Francis Billington in the 
absence of his father, having procured some gun-pow- 
der, made squibs and fired them, and finding his father's 
fowling-piece charged, shot her off in the crbin, where 
there was a small barrel iialf full of powder, and many 
people near the fire, but no one was injured. 

On Wednesday, December 6th, the company sailed 
on a third excursion for discovery ; the weather was 
so intensely cold that the water froze every moment 
on their clothes, and two of the men were greatly 
overcome. On their approach to the shore at East- 
ham, they discovered iOor 12 Indians engaged in cut- 
ting up a grampus, but they soon fled. Two other 
grampuses were dead on the shore, having been cast on 
the land ; the fat on their sides was two inches thick, 
affording abundance of oil. The English landed oa 



22 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

the shore, made a barricade, planted sentinels, and 
took lodw;ings beside a fire, and saw the smoke from the 
Indian's fire 4 or 5 miles fi-om them. In the morning 
part of the company kept in the shallop, and the rest 
ranged the woods. A large burial-place was 'discover- 
ed, partly encompassed with a pallisado, like a church- 
yard, and filled with graves of various sizes. At night 
they took their lodgings in the shallop, and at about mid- 
night hideous cries were heard, and the sentinel called, 
arms ! arms ! but by firing two guns the noise ceased. 
About five o'clock in the morning the noises were renew- 
ed and they had only time to cry out ' Indians ! Indians ! ' 
when the arrows came flying thick about them. The 
English ran with all speed to receive their guns, and [n 
a moment bullets were exchanged for arrows, but no 
exchange could be a match for the dreadful Indian 
yells. There was a lusty Indian, supposed to be their 
captain, who placed himself behind a tree, discharged 
three arrows, and stood three shots from a ruu^ket, till 
at length a charge struck the tree, when \>a' gave a 
horrid yell, and fled. Eighteen of their an .vs w^ere 
taken up and sent to their friends in England, by mas- 
ter Jones, of the Mayflower ; some were headed with 
brass, some with deer's horns, and others wiih eagles' 
claws; but the contest ended v^^ithout bloodshed on 
either siile. It was about this time that the wife of 
William White was favored with the birth of a son, 
whom they named Peregrine, being the first English 
child born in New England.* 

After the skirmish with the Indians, the pilgrims ren- 
dered thanks to God for their preservation, and named 

* William White Hied in the ensuing: Spring. Ilis widow, Su- 
sannah, married the celebrated Edward Winslow, who was the third 
Goveinoi of the colony; this marriasje wa> solemnized IVIay 12th, 
1621, and was the first mrrriaiie in New England ; and she was the 
mother of Peregrine Whi'e, tl e first child born of English parents 
in the co'ony. Peregrine While died at Marshfield, July 2Uth, 1704, 
aged 83 years ahd 8 Oionths. 



1620] HISTORY OP PLYMOUTH. S3 

the place the First Encounter. In the afternoon of the 
same day, December 8lh, the shallop departed from the 
cape on a cruise of discovery, vvitli the following per- 
sons on board : — Governor Carver, Mr. William Brad- 
ford, * Edward Winslow, Capt. Miles Stand'sh, John 
Rowland, Mr. Warren, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Edward Tilly, 
Mr. John Tilly, Mr. Clark, Jolin Allerton, Thomas En- 
glish, and Edward Dotey, together with Coppin, the 
pilot, the master gunner of the ship, and three of the 
common seamen, making eighteen in the whole. The 
pilot assured them that there was a harbor of which he 
had some knowledge, which they could reach before 
night. f They were in the afternoon overtaken by a 
violent storm, the wind and rain increasing, and the sea 
raging with rough and heavy surges, by which the 
hinges of their rudder were broken, and they were 
obliged to steer the shallop by oars in the hands of two 
men stationed at the helm. Not long after in their se- 
vere struggle their mast was severed into three pieces, 
and the sails went overboard. In passing the point 
called the Gurnet's nose, at the mouth of Plymouth har- 
bor, the pilot finding himself deceived, and greatly 
alarmed, exclaimed ' Lord be merciful ! ' my eyes nev- 
er saw this place before ; and he with the master's mate 
would have run the boat ashore before the wind in a 
cove among breakers ; which cove is between the Gur- 
net head and Saquish point. But a more resolute sea- 
man at the helm making uncommon exertions, and 
urging the oarsmen, the boat was with difficulty put 
about, and they fortunately reached the lee of a small 
island, in the midst of a heavy rain, and the darkness 
of night, where they came safe to anchor, and in the 
night they landed and kindled a fire. The next morning 

* While at anchor in Cape Cod harbor, on December 7th, Mrs. 
Dorothy Bradford, wife of iVJr. William Bradford, accidentally fell 
overboard from the Mayflower, and was drowned, to the great grief 
of her husband, who was absent in the shallop at the time. 

t It is not improbable that the pilot had visited this shore with 
Capt. Smith or Hunt, in 1614. 



S^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

ikey found that the island was uninhabited, and as it was 
the last day of the week, and extremely cold, they em- 
ployed themselves in dryitig their clothes, cleaning 
their arms, and repairing their shallop. The following 
day, the tenth, being the christian sabbath, and the first 
ever observed in New England, they devoted them- 
selves in pious gratitude for their • preservation and 
safe arrival. As Mr. Clark, the master's mate, was the 
first to land on the island, it received his name, which 
it still retains.^ 

On Monday, the 11th day of December, O. S. they 
proceeded from the island in their shallop, to sound 
and examine the harbor, and, to their unspeakable joy, 
found it commodious and ' fit for shipping.' A part of 
their number, no names mentioned, landed, went some 
distance into the country, and examined the territory 
contiguous to the shore, where they found cleared land 
which had been planted with Indian corn, two or three 
years before, and a beautiful running brook, and nu- 
merous springs of the purest water were discovered. 
Having selected this as the most eligible situation for a 
permanent settlement yet discovered, they re-embarked 
on board the shallop and returned to the ship, at Cape 
Cod, announcing to the anxious pilgrims the joyful ti- 
dings of their discoveries, and the cheering prospects 
which Providence had opened to their view. This, 
then, is to be considered as the first stepping on the 
Rock of the Pilgrims from the shallop belonging to the 
Mayflower, and this is the birth day of our nation. 
The day which has been annually celebrated in com- 
memoration of this momentous event, the landing of 
the forefathers, is the twenty-second of December, N. 
S. which has hitherto been supposed to correspond 
with the eleventhj O. S ; but to reconcile the difference 
between old and new style in the century in which 

■ See a tradition respecting this when describing the island, lat- 
ter end of the volume. 



1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 25 

they arrived, only ten days, instead of eleven, should 
be added to their computation, which would make the 
day of the landing correspond to the twenty-first, N. S. 
If, therefore, it be desirable to celebrate the precise 
portion of time corresponding with their date, as it un- 
doubtedly is, the twenty-first and not the twenty-second 
of Decemher should be commemorated as Forefathers 
Day.* 

* The day of the landing by the exploring party in the shallop 
was Monday, December 11th, 1620, old style. This is established 
by the united testimony of Morton's Memorial, Mourt's Relation, 
and Governor Bradford's MS. History, as copied by Prince. In de- 
termining the anniversary of that day for any year whatever, the 
question occurs, What is the difference between O. S. and N. S. 
for 1620? 

By order of Pope Gregory XIII. in 1582, ten days were omitted 
in the Julian calendar, then in use, and the 5th of October was reck- 
oned the 15th. This was done for the following reason. The Ju- 
lian calendar proceeded on the supposition that the year was 365 
days and 6 hours ; but the time in which the sun performs his an- 
nual revolution is not exactly 365 days 6 hours, but 365 days 5 hours 
48 minutes and 45^ seconds. The civil year, therefore, exceeded 
the solar by 11 minutes and 14^ seconds, which in about 130 years 
amounted to a whole day, i. e. the true equinox would precede the 
civil one by about a day in 130 years. In the year 1582, this an- 
ticipation of the equinox had amounted to ten days, so that the vernal 
equinox was now found to happen on the 11th of March instead of the 
21st, as it ought to have done if the Julian calendar had agreed with 
the course of the sun. The Pope, therefore, ordered the 10 days to 
be suppressed ; and, to preserve the accuracy of the calendar from 
that time, it was ordered that three days should continue to be drop- 
ped every 400 years, which was nearly equivalent to one day every 
130 years. Instead, however, of suppressing a day every 130th 
year, whether common or leap year, it was thought preferable to 
make the. correction in leap year only, thus leaving always 365 days 
at least in the year. Now in the former method of reckoning, every 
100th year was a leap, year; but it was ordered by the Pope, that 
every 400th year only should be considered as leap year, and the 
other centiu id years reckoned as common years; the year 1600, 
however, being still continued as leap year. By making, there- 
fore, the years 1700, ISOO, and 1900 to be common years, instead of 
leap years, as they Vvould have been in the old style, the error 
arising from the odd time would be properly corrected. 

The difference, then, between O. S. and N. S. in 1582 was ten 
days, and this continued to be the difference until 1700, the leap 
year being preserved in 1600 ; from 1700 to 1800, it was eleven 
days, because 1700 in O. S. was a leap year, and therefore, another 

3 



26 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [162(1) 

Immediately on receiving the happy intelligence, the 
Mayflower weighed anchor, and proceeded to the 
newly discovered harbor, where she anchored in safe- 
ty on the sixteenth of December, O. S., and termina- 
ted her perilous voyage. Four of the passengers had 
die'd at Cape Cod. The weather for several days 
continued boisterous and intensely cold. 

On the eighteenth and nineteenth the master of the 
ship, Mr. Jones, and three or four sailors, explored 
tlie land contiguous to the harbor, but could discover 
neither houses nor inhabitants. On the morning of 
the twentieth, after imploring Heaven for guidance, a 
consideible number landed with a view of selecting a 
location for settlement. The place selected was the 
high ground on the bank facing the bay, where the 



day was to be suppressed ; from 1800 to 1900, twelve days ; from 
1900 to 2000, thirteen days ; and irom 2000 to 2100, still thirteen 
days; because 2000 is a leap year in both styles. Of course, then, 
the llth of December, 1620, O. S. corresponds to the 21st of De- 
cember, N. S. — the year 1600 being reckoned as a leap year, and, 
therefore, no day being dropped in that century. Now in the year 
17(j9, when the Old Colony Club fixed upon the day of their cel- 
ebration, the difference of styles had become, for that -century, 

11 days, because the year 1700 was, as above stated, reckoned as a 
common year, and therefore, an additional day was dropped. For 
the same reason, the difference of styles for the present century is 

12 days. But the true question is and should have been by the 
Old Colony Club, what is the difference of styles for 1620, and that 
is the true difference for that time, and continues so forever.—See 
Rees' Cyclopedia, articles Calendar and Style. — Judge Davis's let- 
ter in regard to the settlement of Boston. — Judge Davis's commu- 
nication in O. C. Memorial, Sept. A, 1830. American Almanac, 

Vol. i. (in which, however, there is an inaccuracy in stating this 
matter.) 

The above calculation is corroborated in the following manner:. 
By finding the Dominical Letter for 1620, O. S. which is A, it ap- 
pears that the llth of December that year fell on Monday, conforrn- 
ably to our historians. By finding the Dominical Letter for 1620, 
N. S. which is D, it appears that the 21st of December for that year 
would fall also on Monday, and the 22d on Tuesday, &c. — See the 
table in American Almanac, Vol. iii. p. 72. 

There can be no doubt, therefore, that the 21st of December, in 
any year, is the day corresponding to the llth of December, 1620, 0. 
S. and is the true day of the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymoutlu 






1620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 27 

J^ land had been cleared, and corn planted by the na- 
" tives a few years before. Here were numerous springs 
of the purest water, and a brook emptying its current 
into the harbor. Here also was a high hill well situa- 
ted for a fortification to command the surrounding 
country, and affording a fine prospect across the bay. 
A violent storm arose at night, and the weather con- 
tinued so tempestuous fof two or three days, that these 
people were unable to return on board, and remained 
on shore without shelter. On Saturday, the twenty- 
third, another party bid adieu to the Mayflower, went 
on shore, and began to fell and carry timber, and make 
preparations for the construction of their house of com- 
mon rendezvous. On the twenty-fourth, (Sabbath) 
the people on shore were alarmed, by the cry of Indi- 
ans, from whom an attack was expected, but it proved 
a false alarm. The pilgrims were now about to change 
the perils of the ocean, not for a friendly, hospitable 
shore — not to receive the fond embrace of affectionate 
relatives and friends, but to encounter the storms of 
winter in an unexplored wilderness, and to listen to the 
appalling } ells of the savages.* But it was their con- 
solation that they had disenthralled themselves from 
religious tyranny and persecution, and found an asy- 
lum of religious liberty and civil freedom for themselves 
and posterity. From the reports of those who had 
been on shore, they painted to their sanguine imagina- 
tion a capacious harbor and bay containing two islands^ 
abounding in wild fowl, fish of various kinds, and a 
good growth of timber on shore. On Monday, the 

* Had the month of December, 1620, been as inclement as the 
present December, 1831, when our harbor and shores on all sides 
are a body of ice, and the thermometer below zero, those whom we 
honor and revere as our fathers and mothers, must have fallen a 
sacrifice to the season. But their courage and fortitude were un- 
doubtedly supported by the reflection, that when God decrees some 
momentous event, his instruments are prepared, and will be pre- 
served ; as were Joseph, Moses and Joshua, and we may add, CO" 
luinbus and VVashiugton. 



28 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

twenty-fifth, they began their common house, which 
was twenty feet square, for rendezvous and for stores ; 
no man was suffered to remain idle, although many of 
them, from a long voyage, were affected with scurvy, 
and others, from uncommon exposure to storms of 
snow and rain, were suffering under severe indisposi- 
tion. Such was their industry, that in four days one 
half of their store house was thatched.* It was one of 
their first objects to provide for their security by a 
platform for their ordnance, which they begun on the 
twenty-eighth, on a high hill. On the same day they 
divided their whole company into nineteen families, 
that fewer houses might suffice, and measured out the 
ground, assigning to every person by lot half a pole in 
breadth and three poles in length, for house lot and 
garden. It was stipulated that every man should build 
his own house, but the whole to be built in two rows, 
and compact, for greater security against the Indians. 
The inclemency of the weather and their own feeble 
health were essential impediments to their progress in 
erecting their houses, and many families were detained 
on board the ship till shelter could be provided on 
shore. 

December 31 5^, Lord^s day. Although most of the 
company were on board the ship, almost a mile and half 
from shore, yet those who had landed kept the sabbath 
for the first time in their new house. ' Here, there- 
fore, is fixed the era of their settlement, which in grate- 
ful remembrance of the christian friends, whom they 
left in the last town which they visited in their native 
country, they called JVew Plymouth. This was the 
foundation of the first English town built in New Eng- 
land.' — Holmes^ s Ann. 

Place of their location. — The place in which the set- 
tlers first located themselves for a town, is the whole ex- 

* In the year ISOl, in. digging a cellar, sundry tools and a plate 
cf iron were discovered seven feet under the surface of the earth, 
on the spot where tradition places the common house, which is on 
the south side of Ley den street, near the declivity of the hill. 



1-620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 29 

tent of our Leyden street and its environs. This street 
was laid out by them when planning the town, and ex- 
tends from the town square in a gradual descent to the 
shore, and terminates a little distance south from the 
memorable rock. During the first winter, the settlers 
buried their dead on the banks of the shore near their 
own dwellings, since called CoWs Hill, taking especial 
care to level the earth, to conceal from the Indians the 
number and frequency of deaths. Dr. Holmes men- 
tions a tradition that the graves at that spot, after the 
great mortality in the first stage of the settlement, were 
levelled and sown, to conceal the extent of their loss 
from the natives. An aged gentleman, Hon. Ephraim 
Spooner, since deceased, who gave this information to 
Dr. Holmes, received it from Elder Faunce, who died 
1745, in the 99th year of his age, and who was well 
acquainted with some of the first settlers. Hon. Judge 
Davis relates that he has often had similar information 
from an aged lady, Mrs. White, who died at Plymouth, 
a few years since, and who in early life was familiar in 
the family of Elder Faunce. It has always been su))- 
posed that the remains of Governor Carver were de- 
posited on Cole's Hill, and it is to be regretted that no 
stone was erected to designate the. spot. 

On reviewing the place where the puritan fathers 
first erected their rude comfortless huts, and where 
Carver and half of his associates closed their mortal 
career during the first winter, surely enthusiasm enough 
will never be wanting to consecrate the ground with 
tears, and to proclaim its sacredness to future genera- 
tions. It is the ground, where, unshielded from the 
rigors of a boisterous season, our ancestors were com- 
pelled to erect citadels of defence against the attacks of 
cru.el savages, while their hearts were pierced with the 
keenest anguish by the arrows of death depriving them 
of rulers, parents, liusbands and children ! 

The Rock. The identical rock, on which the sea- 
wearied Pilgrims first leaped from the shallop coming 
3* 



30 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

from the Mayflower, has never been a subject of 
doubtful designation. The fact was transmitted from 
father to son, particularly in the instance of Elder 
Faunce, as would be transmitted the richest inheritance, 
by .unquestionable tradition. About the year 1741, it 
was represented to Elder Faunce that a wharf was to 
be erected over the rock, which impressed his mind 
with deep concern, and excited a strong desire to take 
a last farewell of the cherished object. He was then 
ninety-five years old, and resided three miles from the 
place. A chair was procured, and the venerable man 
conveyed to the shore, where a number of the inhabit- 
ants were assembled to witness the patriarch's bene- 
diction. Having pointed out the rock directly under 
the bank of Cole's Hill, which his father had assured 
him was that which had received the footsteps of our 
fathers on their first arrival, and which should be per- 
petuated to posterity, he bedewed it with his tears and 
bid to it an everlasting adieu. These facts were tes- 
tified to by the late venerable Deacon Spooner, who 
at the age of fifteen years, was present on the interest- 
ing occasion. Standing on this rock, therefore, we may 
fancy a magic power ushering, us into the presence of 
our fathers. The hallowed associations which cluster 
around that precious memorial, inspires sentiments of 
love of country, and a sacred reverence for its primitive 
institutions. In contemplation, we may hold commu- 
nion with celestial spirits, and receive monitions from 
those who are at rest in their graves. What honors 
shall we pay to the fathers of our country, the found- 
ers of that empire, which through ages shall remain 
the rich abode of knowledge, religion, freedom, and 
virtue ! Criminal, indeed, would be our case were 
we not to cherish a religious sense of the exalted 
privileges inherited from our pious ancestors^ and re- 
solve to transmit them unimpaired to our children. 
Where is the New Englander that would be willing to 
have that rock buried out of sight and forgotten } 



^01620] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. ^ 



* The man that is not mov'd with what he retad?,, 
That takes not fire at their heroic deeds. 
Unworthy of the blessings of the brave, 
Is base in kind, and born to be a slave' Cowper. 

Common tradition renders the point doubtful, wheth- 
r Mary Chilton, or John Alden, have the best claim 
o the honor of being the first who leaped on the rock, 
md gained possession of New England ground. No 
nvestigation can now decide the claim, be it*more or 
ess important to those concerned. The name of 
fohn Alden is not included in the list of those who 
anded from the shallop on the eleventh of December, 
md it is not supposable that a lady would subject her- 
elf to such hazard and inconvenience 5 besides, such 
m exploit in a female must have been considered as 
[ieserving particular record at the time. The tradition 
jvhich renders the fact questionable must have had ref- 
erence to the boats which landed with the families af- 
er the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth harbor. The 
point of precedence must however remain undecided, 
dnce the closest investigation discloses no authority 
for the tradition, nor a shadow of evidence in favor of 
ny individual as being the first who landed. * In the 
ear 1774, when liberty, and the rights of man were 

* 'Among those who came in the Mayflower, were Richard 
IJChilton, (who died the first winter) Mary and Susanna Chilton. 
IJMary it is said, married John Winolow, and Susanna Mr. Latham. 
(The descendants of Mr. Winsh)w are in Boston, and Mr. Latham in 

Bridgewater. The tradition we have reason to believe is in both 
families. We are disposed, liowever, to generalize the anecdote. 
The first generation, doubtless, knew who came on shore in the 
first boats ; the second generation related it with less identity ; the 
third and fourth with still less ; like the stone thrown info the calm 
lake, the circles, well defined at first, become fainter as they re- 
cede. For the purposes of the arts, however, a female figure, typi- 
cal of faith, hope, and charity, is well adapted.' — His. Col. vol. 3, 
series 2, p. 174. By Samuel Davis. 

* As there is a great degree of uncertainty on this subject, it is 
not only graieful, but allowable, to indulge the imagination, and we 
expect from the friends of John Alden, that they should give place 

I to the lady.' — Judge Davis's Edit. Morton's Memorial. 



32 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1620 

the popular themes, it was determined to remove the 
hallowed rock from its original bed to the town square 
near the church and court house, that it might be' lo- 
cated beside the liberty pole. [This will be further 
noticed in this work under date of 1774.] 

January \st, 1621. — About this date Francis Billing- 
ton, having mounted the top of a tree on a high hill, dis- 
covered. at a distance, as he supposed, another great 
sea, and on the eighth of December went with one of 
the master's mates to take a view of the place. They 
found the water divided into two lakes, the larger five 
or six miles compass, the smaller three miles. 

January [2th. — Two of the settlers, John Goodman 
and Peter Brown, being abroad gathering thatch, came 
to a lake of water, (probably our Murdock's pond) near ^ 
which they discovered a fine large deer ; their two dogs ?' 
chased the animal, and the men followed till they were 
lost, and could not find their way back. They wan- 
dered till night, being lightly clad and without weapons 
or food, amidst frost and snow ; they were obliged to j 
make the cold earth their bed, and the clouds their 
covering. In the night they were greatly alarmed by 
noises which they supposed to be the roaring of lions. 
In their fright they mounted a tree for safety, which 
they found to be an intolerable cold lodging, and they 
sometimes walked under the tree in readiness to climb, 
holding their bitch by the neck, lest she should rush into 
the lions' paws. But fortunately the lions came not, 
and at early dawn they renewed their wandering, which 
they continued through the day. At night they reach- 
ed the setdement almost famished with cold and hunger, 
and having mistaken the howling of wolves for the 
roaring of lions. 

Their friends at the settlement, being greatly 
alarmed on account of their absence, sent out ten or 
twelve armed men, who traversed the woods all day in 
vain, and returned with strong apprehensions that they 
were taken by tHe Indians. It was not long after the 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 83 

arrival of the planters, that the natives assembled all 
their pawaws in a dark swamp, to curse the new comers ; 
for three days they continued their horrid incantation, 
and consigned the English to utter destruction. It is 
to be regretted that we cannot ascertain the spot where 
this swamp was located, nor the particular tribe that 
were the actors in this diabolical business. 

January iAth. — The settlers had the rnisfortune of 
their common house taking fire, from a spark falling 
among the dry thatch, and it was entirely consumed. 
It was remarkable that at the moment of this disaster, 
Governor Carver, and Mr. William Bradford were sick 
in their beds, the floor of the house was covered with 
beds and bedding, muskets were loaded, and a quantity 
of powder was stored within, yet little damage was sus- 
tained. The people on board the ship, seeing the fire, 
and unable to come on shore by reason of low tide and 
very tempestuous weather, were under painful appre- 
hensions that, the savages had attacked them. Being 
Sunday, and the major part of the people on shore, they 
performed public worship in their settlement. 

January I9th. — John Goodman, who had been lost in 
the woods, took it into his head again to ramble into 
the woods ; having a spaniel with him, it was soon 
attacked by two wolves. The dog flew to the legs of 
his master for safety, and he having no weapon, snatch- 
ed a stick for defence ; the wolves sat some time on their 
tails, grinning and snarling at the affrighted man, but at 
length suffered him to escape. 

The wife of Capt. Standish, and some others of their 
number, died this month. . 

February. — Twelve Indians were discovered in the 
woods, but no interview could' be had with them. A 
general meeting was called to establish some military 
arrangements, and Miles Standish. was chosen Captain, 
and vested with command accordingly. During the 
meeting, two Indians presented themselves on the top 
of the hill, on the opposite side of the brook, and made 



I 



34 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621 

signs for the English to come to them, but on the ap- 
proach of Captain Standish and Mr. Hopkins, they fled 
from them. 

21s^.-Capt. Jones, of the Mayflower, brought on shore 
one of the great pieces of cannon, called a minion, and [ 
he and his sailors assisted them to drag that, and an- 
other piece, up the hill, with three small pieces, which 
they mounted for defence. 

The settlers suffered extremely this month by sick- 
ness and death : no less than seventeen of their number 
died during the month ; and the sick were destitute of 
almost all the comforts which their miserable condition 
rendered indispensable. Their sufferings were increas- 
ed by the want of well persons to perform the duties 
among the sick, there being, at one lime, not more than 
six or seven in tolerable health. But it is recorded, 
that Standish and Brewster manifested the tenderest 
concern, and devoted themselves, with unwearied assi- 
duity, to the relief and comfort of their suffering breth- 
ren, not declining the- meanest office. 

March Sd.—The weather was fair and warm, and the^ 
planters were delighted to hear the singing of Ameri- 
can birds in the woods. 

16th. — Much surprise was excited by the appearance- 
of an Indian who boldly walked to the rendezvous, and 
saluted cheeringly in broken English ' Welcome English- 
men, welcome Englishmen.' This was Samoset, a 
Sagamore, who had come from Monhigan, (District ofi; 
Maine,) where he had learned something of the En-j 
glish 'tongue from the Captains of the fishing vessels] 
on that shore, and he knew by name most of those! 
commanders. This was the first savage with whom thai 
whites had obtained an interview. No incident couldi 
have diffused greater joy into the hearts of the discon- 
solate and the infirm; it seemed like an angelic herald 
to the sick and dying. Samoset discoursed as though 
he possessed a general knowledge of the whole sur-e- 
rounding country, and the numbers and strength of ih© 



L^ 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 35 

several tribes. He said that the place they now occu- 
py is called Patuxet, and that about four years ago all 
the natives died of an extraordinary plague ; that there 
was neither man, woman, nor child remaining in the 
territory, of which the English had now possessed them- 
selves. He was a tall, erect man, and had a bow and 
two arrows. The English treated him with their best 
food and drink ; and as lie was inclined to tarry all night, 
they provided him a lodging and watched his move- 
ments. The next day he returned to a neighboring 
tribe, from whence he said he last came. The Nausets 
he represented as being highly incensed and provoked 
against the English, three of whom were, about eight 
months ago, slain by the Nausets. Their enmity was 
caused by one Hunt, a master of a ship who a few 
years ago deceived the natives, and, under pretence 
of trading with them, got twenty of the people of this 
very place, Patuxet, and seven from the Nausets, oa 
board his ship, and carried them off and sold them for 
slaves, for twenty pounds a head. 

On his departure, the English gave him a knife, 
a bracelet, and a ring ; and he promised to return 
soon and bring other natives with him, with such 
beaver skins as they could collect. Not many days 
after, being Sunday, Samoset returned with five tall 
savages, dressed in deer skins, and the principal had 
a wild-cat's skin on one arm, their hair cut short 
before, but long to their shoulders behind, and orna- 
mented with feathers and fox tails. Their faces were 
painted in various colors and figures. They left their 
bows and arrows at some distance from the setde- 
ment, according to the charge given by the English to 
Samoset. They made signs of amity and friendship, 
and entertained the English with their dancing and 
singing, and they in return gave them a suitable enter- 
tainment. They brought with them some corn, parch- 
ed and reduced to a fine powder, called no-cake, which 
they eat mixed with water ; and they had a litde tobacco 



36 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [16211 

in a bag, of which they drank * frequently. Theyji 
brought with them, also, all the tools belonging to thei 
English, which had been taken when left in the woods. 
They offered a few skins to trade, but, being Sunday, 
the English dismissed them soon, desiring them to re- 
turn with more skins, which they promised. But 
Samoset either was sick, or feigned himself so, and 
would tarry till the next Wednesday, when the English 
gave him a hat, a pair of stockings and shoes, shirt, &ic; 
and sent him to inquire why his friends did not return* 
Thursday, April 2t^.^-Samoset arrived bringing with 
him Squanto, alias Tisquantum, the only surviving na-* 
tive of Patuxet, who was one of the twenty captives 
carried away by the infamous Hunt : he had been in 
England, and could speak a little English. Three 
others came with him, and brought a few skins to truck 
and some red herring, newly taken and dried, but not 
salted. They informed, that their great Sagamore, M as- 
sasoit, was approaching, with Quadequina, his brother, , 
and all their tribe, and, within an hour, the king ap- 
peared on the top of a hill opposite, and had in his 
train sixty men, which he displayed to view. This hill 1 
is on the south side of Town brook, and is called Wat- ■ 
son's hill, but the brook, where they forded, is now"' 
covered with an arch stone bridge. Both parties be- 
ing unwilHng to advance, Squanto went over to Mas- 
sasoit and returned with the message, that he desired 
peace and a trade with the English. The governor 
then sent Mr. Edward Winslow, with a pair of knives 
and a copper chain with a jewel in it, for the king, and 
for Quadequina a knife and a jewel to hang in his ear, 
and a pot of strong water, a quantity of biscuit, and 
sottie butter, all which were wellreceived. Mr. Wins 
low addressed Massasoit in the name of king James, as- 
suring him, that the king saluted him with words of love 



* The term drinking tobacco is frequently used in the 
probably means using tobacco by smoking. 



records ; 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 37 

and peace, and did accept of him as his friend and al- 
ly ; and that the governor desired to see him, and to 
confirm a trade and peace with him as his next neigh- 
bor. Massasoit was well pleased with the speech^ and 
after eating and drinking, he gave the remains to his 
people. He looked on Mr. Winslow's sword and armor 
with a desire to buy it, but he refused to gratify him. 
Massasoit now left Mr. VVinslow in the custody of 
Quadequina, his brother, and came over the brook, 
with twenty men, leaving all their bows and arrows be- 
hind them. Captain Standish and Mr. Williamson 
with six musketeers, met the king at the brook, and each 
party saluted the other, when the king was conducted 
to a house then in building, where were placed a green 
rug and three or four cushions. Governor Carver now 
appeared with a drum and trumpet, with a few musket- 
eers. After salutations, the governor kissed the king's 
hand, who, in return, kissed him, and they seated them- 
selves ; but the king all the time trembled for fear. 
The governor called for some strong water and drank 
to him, and he drank a copious draught, which made 
him sweat a long time after. Massasoit and his people 
having partook of some fresh meat, the following terms 
of peace were mutually agreed to : — 

1. That neither he, nor any of his, should injure, 
or do hurt, to any of the English. 

2. If any of his did hurt to any of ours, he should 
send the offender, that we might punish him. 

3. That if any of our tools were taken away, when 
our people were at work, he should cause them to 
be restored ; and if ours did harm to any of his, we 
w^ould do the like to them. 

4. If any did unjustly war against him, we would 
aid hirn ; if any did war against us, he sfrould aid us. 

5. He should send to his neighbor confederates, to 
certify them of this, that they might not wrong us, but 
might be likewise comprised in the conditions of 
peace. 

4 



38 HISTORY OF PLYxMOUTH. [1621 

6. That when their men came, they shoulJ leave 
their bows and arrows behind them, as we should do our 
pieces when we came to them. 

Lastly, that doing thus, king James would esteem 
him as his friend and ally.* The above treaty was pleas- 
ing to the Sachem, and approved by his people. f In 
his person the king was a lusty, able-bodied man, and 
grave in his countenance. His attire differed little 
from that of his people, except a great chain of white 
bone beads about his neck. His face was painted with 
a dull red, like murray, and oiled, both head and face, 
so that he looked greasily. He had in his bosom, 
hanging in a string, a large long knife : he marvelled 
much at the trumpet, and made some attempts to sound 
it. All his followers were painted of divers colors ; 
some were clothed with skins, and some were naked. 
Samoset and Squanto tarried all night with the English, 
and the king and his people, ^^ith their wives and chil- 
dren, spent the night in the adjacent w^oods. They said 
that within eight or nine days they would come and set 
corn on the other side of the brook, and dwell there ail 
summer. That night the English kept a good watch, 
but no danger occurred ; and the next morning several 
of the savages visited the English, with the hope, as 
supposed, of obtaining some food. Some of them said 
the king wished some of the English to come and see 

* ' The new Plymouth associate?, by the favor of the Almighty, 
began the colony in New England, at a place called by the natives, 
Apaum, alias Patuxet ; all the I uids being void of inhabitants, we 
the said John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, William 
Brewster, Isaac Allorton. and the rest of our associates, enterinoj into 
a league of peace with Massa^oit, since called Woosamequin, Prir.ce 
or Sachem of those parts : he, the said Massasoit, freely gave them 
all the lands adjacent to theni, and their heirs forever.' [' Preface 
to Plymou h laws, declaring the warrantable orounds and proceed- 
ing of the governnient of New Plymouth.'] — Holmes's Annals. 

t ' This treaty, the work of one day, being horestly intended on 
both sides, was kept with fidelity as long as Massasoit lived, but 
was afterwards (in 1675) broken by Philip, his successor.' — Bel- 
knap's Biography. 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 39 

him. Captain Standish 'and Isaac Allerton went ven- 
turously, and were welcomed, and presented with 
three or four ground-nuts and some tobacco. Massa- 
soit, being at war with a potent adversary, the Narra- 
gansets, manifested every disposition to be at peace and 
friendship with the English, whose fire-arms were a 
great terror to his enemies. 

At a meeting in April, on common business, Mr. Car- 
ver was confirmed in the office of governor for one 
year. 

The Mayflower was detained a considerable time, 
in consequence of sickness and deaths among the sea- 
men, more than one half of their number having died 
during the winter ; and Mr. Jones, the master, was un- 
willing to commence his return voyage until the survivors 
had recovered their heahh. He sailed on the 5th of 
April, and arrived in England on the 6ih of May. 
Not one of the settlers expressed a desire to return to 
iheir native country, but all remained true to their pledge 
to their brethren whom they left in Leyden, and made 
every possible exertion to prepare comfortable accom- 
modations for their rece-ption. 

The first offence committed and punished since the 
arrival of the colonists, was in the person of John Bil- 
lington, who shipped on board at London, and was not 
of the company. He was charged with contetnpt of 
the captain's lawful commands, and of opprobrious 
speeches. He was tried by the whole company, and 
sentenced to have his neck and heels tied together ; but, 
on humbling himself and craving pardon, and It being 
his first offence, he was released from his painful situ- 
ation before the time had expired. In the spring of 
this year, the colonists planted 20 acres \Vith Indian 
corn, being the first planted in New England, of which 
they had a good crop. They were instructed in the 
manner of planting; by Sqnanto ; but they were un- 
successful in their first trial with English grain, by rea- 
son, as supposed, of the lateness of the season, and bad 
quality of the seed. 



40 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621 

In the month of April this year, governor Carver 
was taken sick in the field, while engaged in planting, 
and died in a few days. His death was extremely af- 
flictive, and was universally lamented. He was one of 
their wisest counsellors, and most indefatigable labor- 
ers. His remains were consigned to the earth, with all 
the affectionate solemnity which circumstances, at the 
lime, would admit, and with the discharge of all their 
fire-arms. Many able pens have been employed in 
portraying his character. According to Dr Belknap, ' he 
was a- man of ^reat prudence, integrity, and firmness of 
mind. He had a good estate in England, which he 
spent in the emigration to Holland and America. He 
was one of the foremost in action, and bore a large 
share of suffering in the service of the colony, who con- 
fided in him as their friend and father. Piety, humility, 
and benevolence were eminent traits in his character, 
and it is particularly remembered, that in the time of 
general sickness, which befel the colony, and with 
which he was affected, after he had himself recovered, 
be was assiduous in attending the sick and performing 
the most humiliating services for them, without any dis- 
tinction of persons or characters. ' His affectionate wife, 
overwhelmed wuh grief and sorrow, survived but six 
weeks after his death. He sustained the office of 
governor four months and twenty-four days only. His 
posterity have been very numerous. ' One of his 
grandsons lived to the age of one hundred and two 
years, and about the middle of the last century5(1775) 
that descendant, with his son, grandson, and great 
grandson, were all at the same time at work in the same 
field, whilst -an infant of the fifth generation was with- 
in the house at Marslifield.' — Belknap^s Amer. Biog, 
At the death of governor Carver the whole number of 
deaths was as follows : — 

December, 6 ; January, 8; February, 17; March, 
13. Of this number were 21 of the subscribers to the 
civil compact; and in April governor Carver was added 



16211 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 41 

to that number. The whole number of survivors at 
this time was 55. Mr. William Bradford, while yet a 
convalescent from dangerous sickness, was chosen gov- 
ernor of Plymouth, as successor to governor Carver, 
and Mr. Isaac Allerton was chosen his assistant. 

On the eighteenth of June, two culprits were ar- 
raigned before the company for trial. These were, 
Edward Dotey and Edward Leister, servants of Ste- 
phen Hopkins, who had fought a duel with sword and 
dagger, in which both were wounded. They were 
sentenced to have their head and feet tied together 
and to remain in that situation for twenty-four hours, 
without food or drink. Even this slight punishment 
for an offence so criminal was remitted by the govern- 
or, after one hour's endurance, in consequence of their 
pleadings and promises, and the earnest desire of their 
master. 

A Journey to PoJcanoket — forty miles. This place 
was otherwise called Sowams. It was deemed advisa- 
ble to send a friendly deputation to Massasoit, in order 
to ascertBin the exact place of his residence, and his 
strength, and disposition, and to cultivate and perpetu- 
ate a leagne of peace and amity between the two par- 
ties, and to procure corn for seed. For this purpose, 
the governor made chjice of Edward Winslow and 
Stephen Hopkins, to be accompanied by Squanto, as 
guide and interpreter, and taking a horseman's coat of 
red cotton laced with slight lace as a present to the 
chief. The deputies commenced iheirjourney on the 
second or third day of July, and reached Namasket, a 
part of Middleborough, in the afternoon, fifteen miles. 
The native inhabitants received them with joy, and 
entertained them in their best manner, giving them a 
kind of bread, and the roes of shad boiled with musty 
acorns. The natives complained greatly of the damage 
they sustained in their corn by the ravagesof the crows, 
and desired to see the experiment of shooting them 
with English guns : about fourscore of these birds 
4* 



42 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621 

were soon brought down, to the great amusement of 
the natives. The gentlemen proceeded on their jour- 
ney eight miles further, and, at sun-set, reached a fish- 
ing wear at Titicut, on Taunton river, where abun- 
dance of bass were caught. The natives received 
them in a friendly manner, and supplied them with 
fish ; but, destitute of houses, they took lodgings in the 
open field. An interchange of friendly civilities look 
place. The land on this river appeared rich and fer- 
tile, but the native inhabitants had a (ew years before 
been swept off by pestilence. Massasoit hud his resi- 
dence on this river. The next day they resumed their 
maich, accompanied by six volunteer savages, and, 
having travelled six miles by the river side, they come 
to a lording place at low water. Here they were 
struck with the valor and courage of two savages on 
the opposite side of the river, two only remaining alive 
at that place, both aged — one about threescore. Seeing 
a company of men entering the river, they ran to meet 
them at the bank, where, with shrill voices and man- 
ly courage, they charged with their bows, and de- 
manded if they were enemies, and prepared to take 
advantage while in tlie w^ater. But finding them friends 
they welcomed them with such food as they had, and 
the English bestowed on them a small bracelet of 
beads. The six savages proved useful companions to 
the ambassadors during their tedious march, affording 
them much assistance in crossing rivers, and offering to 
carry their clothes and guns to relieve them from fatigue 
and heat. The country through which they passed 
abounded in good timber, consisting of oak, walnut, fir, 
beech, and chesnut, of immense size ; also fine springs of 
water, but without inhabitants. Having arrived at a 
village in Massasoii's territories, they were treated with 
a meal of fish and oysters, whence they proceeded to 
Poknnoket ; but the chief was absent. One of the 
Englisl] attempted to charge his gun. The women and 
children fled, and could not be pacified till he laid it 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 43 

aside, and the interpreter assured them of their safety. 
But on the arrival of Massasoit, they saluted him by 
a full discharge of muskets, and he received them with 
every mark of favor and respect ; and, having clothed 
him with the laced red coat, and put the chain about 
his neck, he was delighted with the figure he made, 
and his people viewed their king with pride and won- 
der. In reply to their message, the chief assured them 
that it was his desire to continue in peace and friend- 
ship, and that he would direct his people to that effect, 
and would send seed-corn to Patuxet, as desired. 
He then addressed his own people as follows : ' Am 
not 1 Massasoit, commander of the country around 
you ? Is not such a town mine, and the people of it ? 
Will you not bring your skins to the English ? After 
this manner he named at least thirty places, to every 
one of which they gave an answer of assent and ap- 
plause. At the close of his speech, he lighted tobac- 
co for the envoys, and proceeded to discourse about 
England and the English king^ wondering that he 
would live without a wife. He talked also of the 
Frenchmen, bidding the English not to suffer them to 
come to Narraganset, for it was king James's country, 
and he was king James's man. Night approaching, 
and Massasoit having provided no food, as he had 
been absent from home, the gentlemen desired to retire 
to rest. The lodging place was on a platform of plank 
raised a foot from the ground ; and their companions 
were Massasoit and wife and two other Indians, and 
they were more weary of their lodging than of their jour- 
ney. The next day, many of the petty sachems and a 
large party of the people assembled to amuse them- 
selves and the strangers with their games for skins and 
knives, and one of the English fired at a mark, and 
they were much surprised to see so many shot-holes. 
At noon, Massasoit brought home two fish, which he 
had caugljt, and this was the repast for forty people, 
and ihe only meal afforded to the messengers for two 



44 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l631 

nights and a day ; yet he importuned them to tarry long- 
er. But, starving for food, and anxious to keep the 
ensuing sabbath at home, and moreover despairing of 
sleep, for the filthy lodgings, the noise of the savages 
singing themselves to sleep, the annoyance of pestiferous 
insects within doors, and musquetoes without, left no 
chance for repose ; and should they protract their visit, 
they might not be able to return lor want of strength. 
On Friday morning, therefore, before sunrising, they 
took leave and departed, leaving the chief both grieved 
and ashamed that he could entertain them no better. 
Squanto was retained to collect articles for traffic, and 
Tockamahamon appointed to guide them to Plymouth, 
where tbey arrived after two days' journey. 

John Billington, a boy, having been lost in the woods, 
and inquiry being made, Massasoit sent word that he 
was at Nauset (Chatliam). He had wandered about 
five days, subsisting on berries. The governor sent ten 
men in a shallop, with Squanto and Tokamahamon, to 
recover him. In July, the party sailed toward Nauset, 
but were overtaken by a violent storm, attended with 
lightning and thunder ; they took shelter that night in 
the bay near the harbor of Commaquid, (Barnstable 
harbor). The next morning, some savages, in pursuit 
of lobbters, informed them that the boy was well, but 
was at Nauset. They invited the English on shore to 
eat with them ; four savages entered the boat as hosta- 
ges, while six went on shore from tlie boat. The En- 
glish were introduced to their sachem, or governor, 
named lyanough, a man not exceeding 25 years of age, 
of comely appearance and courteous, and he afforded 
them a plentiful entertainment. Here they were ac- 
costed by an old woman, supposed to be not less than 
a hundred years old, never having seen an Englishman : 
she was weeping with great lamentation, complaining 
that she had three sons who went on board Captain 
Hunt's ship to trade with him, and he carried them cap- 
tives into Spain, by which means she was deprived of 
the comfort of her children in her old age. The Eng- 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 45 

lish told her they were sorry, that Hunt was a bad man, 
and all the English condemned him, and that no such 
injury should be offered by themselves ; and, having 
given her a few trifles, she was somewhat pacified. 
After dinner, they proceeded, accompanied by the sa- 
chem, lyanough, and two of his men,, to Nauset, and 
Squanto was sent to Aspinet, the sachem of Nauset, to 
inlorm him of their arrival. After sunset, Aspinet came 
with the boy, and a great train, consisting of not less 
than one hundred, one half of whom .went to the shal- 
lop unarmed, carrying the boy in their arms through 
the water, while the rest remained at a distance, with 
their bows and arrows. The boy was now delivered, 
decorated to excess with beads ; and having agreed to 
a peace, and presented the sachem and the man who 
brought the boy with knives, the parties separated. On 
their return, lanough landed at Commaquid, and, to 
show his kindness, he took a runlet and led the seamen 
in the dark to some distance for water. In the mean 
time, most of his people, men, women, and children, as- 
sembled : the women joined hand in hand, singing and 
dancing, and the scene was closed by lanough taking 
a bracelet from his neck and hanging it on one of the 
English. It was reported by the Nausets, that the 
Narragansets had captured Massasoit, and killed some 
of his people; and, about the same time, Hobomak a 
Pinese, or chief captain under Massasoit, a lusty young 
man, attached himself to the English, and devoted his 
life to their interest and service. On the other hand, 
it was understood that Corbitant, another sachem, had 
given indications of his attachment to the Narragansets, 
a powerful tribe, and was endeavoring to disaffect the 
subjects of Massasoit towards the colonists,and manifest- 
ed his enmity to all that favored their interest.* Squan- 

* Corbitant resided at Mattapuyst, a neck cf land in the township 
of Swansey. Mr. Winslow, who had frequent conferences with 
him at his wigwam and at other places, represents hrnn as 'a hol- 
low-hearted friend to the English, a notable politician, yet full 



46 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1621 

to and Hobomak, anxious to ascertain the situation of 
their chief, Massasoit, undertook a journey privately for 
that purpose. They were discovered by Corbitant 
the first night, and threatened with death. He seized 
Squanto, and held a knife at his breast, but Hobomak 
effected his escape to Plymouth, with news that Squanto 
was killed. The governor, sensible of the justice and 
importance of protecting the friendly natives, and of 
showing his own authority, after consulting the whole 
company, resolved to despatch a parly of armed men, 
with orders to attack their enemies in the night, and in 
case that Squanto had been killed, to put Corbitant to 
death, and bring his head to Plymouth. On the 14th of 
August, Captain Standish, at the head of ten of the 
English, and accompanied by the friendly Hobomak, 
commenced the expedition; and reached Corbilant's 
cabin in the night : three Indians, attempting to escape, 
were badly wounded, but it appeared that Squanto had 
suffered no injury. The next morning, Slandish break- 
fasted at Squanto's, and finding that Corbitant and his 
friends had escaped, and having accomplished the ob- 
ject of his expedition, commenced his return home. 

The consequence of this display of authority on the 
part of the English was extremely favorable ; the natives 
in that quarter were greatly intimidated, and numerous 
sachems, nearly all in the vicinity, solicited the friend- 
ship of the colonists. It appeared, on inquiry, that 
the report of the capture of Massasoit was a mistake, 
and Corbitant solicited his good offices to reconcile him 
to the English ; and he, together with several other 
chiefs, repaired to Plymouth, to acknowledge them- 
selves the loyal subjects of King James, and subscrib- 
ed the following paper : 

' September 13th, 1621. 

* Know all men by these presents, that we, whose 
names are underwritten, acknowledge ourselves to be 
the loyal subjects of King James, King of Great Brit- 

of merry jests and squibs, and never better pleased than when the 
like are returned again upon him.* 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 47 

ain, France and Ireland, defender of the faith, &ic. In 
witness whereof, and as a testimonial of the same, we 
have subscribed our names, or marks, as follovveth.' 
Subscribed by nine sachems. The colonists had now 
secured the entire friendship and good services of the 
great sachem, Massasoit, and, partly by bis influence, 
brought most of the petty sachems to terms of submis- 
sion and peace. One event had previously occurred, 
which the natives had in remembrance, and which serv- 
ed to restrain their evil propensities. A French ship 
had been wrecked on Cape Cod, and most of the crew 
sacrificed. One Frenchman only was permitted to 
live among the natives. He told them that God was 
angry with them for this wickedness, and would de- 
stroy them, and give their country to another people ; 
that they should not live like beasts, as they did, but 
should be clothed, &;c. But they, in derision, replied, 
that they were so many that God could not kill them. 
He answered that though they were never so many, God 
had many ways to destroy them that they knew not. 
The pestilence which depopulated their country took 
place soon after the death of the Frenchman, and the 
arrival of the English soon followed. The prediction 
being fulfilled, produced a salutary influence on the na- 
tives. 

A tribe called the Massachusetts, had manifested in- 
dications of hostility against the English. The gover- 
nor and company, therefore, desirous to ascertain their 
strength, their particular situation, and circumstances, 
resolved to send a party to explore the bay on which 
they resided, and to propose to them terms of peace, 
trade, and friendship. Accordingly, on the eighteenth 
of September, the shallop was dispatched with ten 
Englishmen, Squanto for their interpreter, and two 
other Indians. They arrived in the harbor of Shawmut, 
(Boston,) the next day, and anchored under a cliff, 
which Dr. Belknap supposes to be Copp's Hill, at the 
bottom of the bay, and twenty leagues from Plymouth. 



48 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 



[1621 



Here ihey had an interview with the Sachem Obtain- 
naa, one of the parties to the submission signed a few 
days before at Plymouth. He renewed his submission, 
receiving a promise of defence against his enemies, 
particularly against the Sachem of Massachusetts. They 
were treated by the natives with hospitality and respect, 
after their fears had subsided ; and having collected a 
quantity of beaver, on the 20lh, in the evening, having 
the benefit of a light moon, set sail, and arrived at Ply- 
mouth before noon the next dav. The shallop's crew 
made such a favorable report respecting the country 
which they had just visited, as to excite the envy of the 
colonists, who regretted that it had not fallen to their lot 
to be seated there. Although health was now restored 
to their dwelling, they were gathering in their harvest; 
provisions were plenty ; water fowl and fish abounded ; 
deer and wild turkey were in the forest ; they had 
opened a successful traffic with the natives, and their 
houses were in good condition for the approaching 
winter. 

On the tenth of November, the Fortune, a vessel 
of fifty-five tons burthen, arrived at Cape Cod, bring 



ing Mr. Robert Cushman, 

gers, whose names follow 

Robert Cushman 

William Hilton 

John Winslow 

William Coner 

John Adams 

William Tench 

John Cannon 

William Wright 

Robert Hickes 

Thomas Prence (Prince, 
afterwards Governor, 

Stephen Dean 

Moses Simonson (Sim- 
mons) 



and thirty-five more passen- 

Philip De La Noye (De- 
lano) 
Edward Bompasse 

(Bumpus and Bump) 
Clement Brigges (Briggs) 
James Steward (Stewart) 
W^illiam Pitts 
William Palmer, probably 

two in his family 
Jonathan Brewster 
Bennet Morgan 
Thomas Flavill, and his son 
Hugh Stacie (Stacy) 
WiUiam Beale 



1621] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 49 

Thomas Cusliman Tliomas Morton 

Austin Nicolas (Nicholas) William Basslte (Basset!,) 

Widow Foord, piohably two probably -in his Ikmily, 
four in her family 

It was unfortunate that this ship was so long on the 
voyage, that she had expended nearly all her provisions. 
She was soon laden with a cargo, valued at £500, 
consisting of furs, clapboards, and sassafras, and being 
provisioned by the planters, (though, greatly to their 
damage) she was dispatched on her return voyage, on 
the 13th of December ; but near the English coast she 
was captured and carried into France, but afterwards 
released.' Mr. Cushman returned in the ship, as the 
adventurers had directed, to give them information re- 
specting the plantation. 

- Soon after the departure of the Fortune, the new 
comers were distributed amongst the several families, 
and, on taking an estimate of their provisions, it was 
found necessary to put the whole company on half 
allowance, to which they cheerfully submitted. At 
this critical juncture, the Narragansets, learning that the 
ship brought neither arms nor provisions, began to 
manifest hostile intentions. Their threats and prepcira- 
tions were well known to the English. At length they 
sent messengers to the plantation, with a bundle of 
arrows tied together with a snake's skin. This the 
English received as a wnr challenge, and governor 
Bradford informed the chief sachem, Cannonicus, that 
if they loved war they might begin it, as he was not 
unprepared. By an Indian, the governor, after consult- 
ing the settlers, sent back the snake's skin stuffed with 
gunpowder and bullets, with a verbal message of de- 
fiance. This produced the desired effect. The sa- 
chem was intimidated, dared not touch the snake's skin, 
nor let it remain in his house, but returned it to the 
English unopened. The settlers now judged it pru- 
dent to enclose their houses by a strong impalement, 
5 



50 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l622 

which was completed in February. They also, for 
further security, enclosed part of the hill, and formed 
bulwarks with gates to be locked at night, and watch 
and ward was kept dining the day. The ground en- 
closed afforded a garden for each family. The whole 
company was divided into four squadrons, and each 
one had its particular posts assigned it, in case of alarm. 
One of the companies was directed to attend partic- 
ularly to any fires that might happen, while others were 
to serve as guards with their muskets. In all these 
military anangements for the security of the town, 
Captain Standish was their main dependence, and he 
proved himself well deserving their confidence. 

1622. — About the beginning of April, another expe- 
dition on a trading voyage to the Massachusetts was 
in preparation, when Hobomak intimated his fears 
that the Narragansets and the Massachusetts had farm- 
ed a private league against the English for their de- 
struction, and, by sending off a part of their force, the 
town would be exposed to great danger from the Nar- 
ragansets, while those on the expedition would be de- 
stroyed by the Massachusetts. These apprehensions, 
however did not prevent the expedition. Captain 
Standish, with ten principal men, and taking both 
Squaoto and Hobomak, proceeded on the voyage. 
Having reached the mouth of the haibor near the Gur- 
net's nose, they were becalmed, and came to anchor. 
While there, an Indian of Squanto's family came run- 
ning into town with his face covered with blood, calling 
to the people abroad to make haste home, saying he 
received the wound in his face for speaking for the 
English, and frequently looking back as if the assail- 
ants were fast behind him. He informed the Gover- 
nor that" there w«^re many Narragansets, together with 
Massasoit and Corbitant and others approaching to 
assault the town, in the absence of Captain Standish. 
Upon this information, the governor ordered three 
pieces of cannon to be fired. Standish and his crew 



1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 54 

taking the alarm, immediately returned, prepared for 
action. Hobomak was positive that it was all fiction, 
as it proved. He was a pinese, he said, and such an 
enterprize would not be undertaken by Massasoit with- 
out consulting him. At the request of the Governor, 
he sent his wife to Massasoit's residence, pretending 
other business, to inform herself of the true state of 
things. She foiuid all quiet, and that no mischief had 
been intended. She then informed Massasoit of what 
had occurred at Plymouth, who was much offended 
with Squanto for his conduct. After this affair, Stan- 
dish prosecuted his voyage to the Massachusetts, made 
a i;ood trade, and returned in safety. It was now seen 
by the English that Squanto was not to be relied on, 
that he was actuated by selfish views, endeavoring to 
make his countrymen believe that he had great Influ- 
ence with the English, as he understood their lan- 
guage ; in consequence of which he deluded many, 
atid gained some advantages to himself He made 
the natives believe, that the English were their ene- 
mies, that they kept the plague buried in the ground, 
and could spread it through the country at pleasure, 
wdiich created great terror among the Indians, and in- 
duced them to place much dependence on him, to se- 
cure for them the friendship of the English. Some 
barrels of gunpowder were buried under ground In 
the store house, and when taken out, Hobomak inquir- 
ed of Squanto, what they were } He replied, that 
they contained the plague, which he had formerly 
mentioned. Hobomak inquired of an Englishman if 
this was true ; he answered, No ! but the God of the 
English possessed it, and could use it for the destruction 
of his enemies, and the enemies of the English. Such 
were the devices, and such the duplicity of Squanto, 
to increase his influence among his brethren ; and it 
was perceived that he had succeeded but too well in 
obtaining for himself the respect due to Massasoit only. 
The planters spared no pains. to counteract these pro- 



52 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, [1622 

ceedings, by assuring the natives that Squanto was a 
deceiver, and that they had no reason to fear the En- 
glish, so long as they conducted peaceably towards 
them. Massasoit at length became so embittered 
against Squanto, that, on a visit at Plymouth, he de- 
manded of governor Bradford that he should be put 
to death ; but this was refused, and after his return 
home, he sent messengers to repeat.the demand, as- 
serting his claim to Squanto as his subject, according 
to the terms of the existing treaty. The demand was 
repeated with such pressing importunity, that the gov- 
ernor admitted ihat he deserved death, and was about 
to delivered him up, though with great reluctance, as 
Squanto was the only one who understood both lan- 
guages, by which the necessary intercourse could be 
kept up. Massasoit offered many beaver skins in ex- 
change for Squanto, but the -governor disdained to 
sell his life, but assured the messenger that Squanto 
had justly forfeited it by his falsehood and deceit. 
With the messengers, Massasoit sent his own knife for 
the avowed purpose of cutting ofFSquanto's head and 
hands, and the culprit readily yielded himself and sub- 
mitted his life, without the least apparent reluctance to 
the will of the governor. At the moment when he 
was about to be delivered into the hands of the messen- 
gers, a shallop appeared in the offing ; the governor 
having h^feard many rumors of the French, and, doubt- 
ful whether there were not combinations between them 
and the savages, refused to deliver Squanto up, until 
he should first have ascertained what boat was ap- 
proaching. Thus Squanto escaped ; for the messen- 
gers, vexed at the delay, immediately departed in great 
rage. The boat in question proved to be a shallop 
belonging to a fishing vessel, the property of Thomas 
Weston, a merchant in London, which, with about 
thirty others, was employed in the fishing business, on 
the eastern shore near Penobscot. This was in the 
month of May, when the wiiole colony was entirely 



1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. - 53 

destitute of bread, and their other provisions were al- 
most expended. It was out of season for sea fowl, 
and they were unprovided with seines and hooks for 
fishing. They had subsisted on clam's and odier shell 
fish, until they were greatly debilitated. The shal- 
lop above mentioned brought six or seven passengers 
from the fishing vessels from London to be added to 
the planters, but no supply of provisions. Governor 
Bradford dispatched Edward Winslow to purchase 
articles of provision of the fishermen, but none could 
be obtained, excepting fiom the generosity of one 
Captain, who supplied them gratuitously wiih bread, 
sufficient to give each person in tiie plantation a 
quarter of a pound daily until the harvest. * This was 
the daily portion/ says Mr. Winslow, ' which was dis- 
tributed : until now, we were never without some bread, 
the want whereof much abated the strength and flesh 
of some, and swelled others — and, indeed, had we not 
been in a place where divers sorts of shell fish are, 
that may be taken with the hand, we must have j)er- 

j ished, unless God had raised some unknown or extra- 

j ordinary nieans (or our preservation.' 

In addition to this calamity, the Indians threatened 
thern, and boasted how easily they could effect their 
destruction, and Massasoit, even manifested a coolness 
and indifference about his English friends. In the 
mean time, news arrived of a horrihle massacre of the 
English in Virginia on tlie27ih of March, 1622. Three 
hundred and f ^rty-seven of the English were slain by 
the Indians. ' The massacre was conducted with indis- 
criminate barbarity. No regard was shown to dignity, 
no gratitude for benefits.' Justly alarmed for their 
safety, they immediately began to build a strong and 
handsome fort,, taking in the top of the hill, under 
which our town is seated with a flat roof and battle- 
ment, on which cannon were mounted, and a watch 
kept. The lower part was used as a place of public 
worship. Thus did these pious people offer their de- 
5* 



54 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1622 

vout aspirations to God with the sword in one hand and 
the Bible in the other. ' About the end of March/ 
says Mr. Winslow, 'our store of victuals was wholly 
spent, liaving Hved long before on a bare and short al- 
lowance. As to tlie insufficient stock of provisions, 
brought by the Fortune, he suggests as an apology for 
their friends in England, certain among ourselves 
were too prodigal in writing and reporting that we en- 
joyed a plenty.' 

The colonists now, in June and July, consisted of 
about one hundred persons in tolerable health ; they 
had, this season, planted sixty acres of corn, and their 
gardens afforded ample supplies of vegetables. 

Thomas Weston, a merchant in London, was origi- 
nally one of the merchant adventurers. He encour- 
aged the emigration, and actively promoted the Ply- 
mouth settlement, till this year. Why he now with- 
drew his patronage, could not be known ; but by a let- 
ter from him, addressed to governor Carver, ' We find,' 
says governor Bradford, ' he has quite deserted us, 
and is going to settle a plantation of his own. And hav-. 
ing procured for himself a patent of a tract of land in 
Masaschusetts Bay, he sent two ships, the Charity and 
the Swan, with fifty or sixty men, at his own charge, to 
settle a plantation. These adventurers arrived at Ply- 
mouth about June or July, many of them in a sickly 
condition ; and most of them remained there the great- 
er part of the suiitmer, and received from the inhabit- 
ants every hospitality and kindness which the place 
could afford. But they were ungrateful enough to com- 
mit numerous thefts, and waste the provisions of the 
planters who furnished them. . At length they located 
themselves on Weston's land, at a place called Wessa- 
gusset, in the Massachusetts Bay, (now Weymouth.) 
This was a rival settlement, and consisted of profligate 
miscreants altogether unfit for such an enterprise, and 
proved very troublesome neighl)ors. 

In the month of August, another ship arrived from 



1622] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 95 

England called the Discovery, commanded by Captain 
Jones, the; former commander of the Mayflower; and 
also the Sparrow, belonging to Mr. Weston, which bad 
been employed on a fishing voyage. Captain Jones 
brought a large supply of trinkets, suitable' for traffic 
with the natives, but his enormous demand for the ar- 
ticles, and unwillingness to sell but in large quantities, 
showed his disposition to take an ungenerous advantage 
of the famishing planters, and compel them to pur- 
chase at exorbitant prices that they might traffic with the 
natives for corn. 

Weston's undeserving company soon squandered 
away their provisions, and were reduced to a state of 
starvation ; thieving among the natives was their next 
resort. They were continually exasperating the sava- 
ges against both settlements, till at length they became 
contemptible in the eyes of the natives themselves. 
One of them was so greatly enfeebled for want of food, 
that, in attempting to dig clums, his feet got caught in 
the mud and before he could be extricated he perished. 
They would debase themselves by the most abject ser- 
vices for the natives, and they in return would rob 
them t5t their miserable food and their blankets while 
asleep. Pressing and clamorous complaints were 
made by the Indians to the governor, and some were 
stocked and some whipped, without amendment ; at 
length to appease the injured savages, it was thought ne- 
cessary to hang on(3 of those who had been convicted 
of stealing. ' A waggish report became current that 
the real offender was spared, and that a poor decrepid 
old man. that was unserviceable to the -company, was 
hung in his stead.' 'Upon this story,* says Mr. Hubbard 
in his MS. History of New England, ' the merry gen- 
tleman that wrote the poem called Hudibras did, in 
his poetical fancy, make so much sport.' * The pas- 
sage referred to is well known.' 

• Our brethren of New England use 
Choice malefactors to excuse. 



66 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 

And han^ the guiltless in their stead, 
Of whom the churches have less need.' 

Hudibras, part ii. canto 2. 

' Mr Hubbard seriously contradicts the story, but 
with a quahfication, that would not perhaps have^ 
deprived the poet of an allusion, so convenient for his 
purpose, and so congenial to his feelings. As Mr. 
Hubbard had the account from the Plymouth people, 
the person hanged was really guilty of stealing, as 
were many of the rest ; yet, it is possible, that justice 
might be executed, not on him that most deserved it, 
but on him that could best be spared, or who was not 
likely to livelong, if he had been let alone.' — JVew Eng-' 
land JVIemoriaL 

1623. Pardy to benefit Weston's starving peo- 
ple, and partly to provide for his own families, gov- 
ernor Bradford agreed to accompany them in the 
Swan, their own ship, on an expedition to Cape Cod, 
to procure corn from the natives. He afterwards 
went a second time, in company with Captain Stan- 
dish in another shallop, after the Captain had recov- 
ered from sickness. These voyages 'were attend- 
ed with the greatest hazard, by reason of Solent 
storms ; but they returned in safety, and brought a good 
supply of corn, which they divided equally between the 
two plantations. At Nauset the shallop was stranded 
in a storm ; part of the corn and beans, of which they 
had 26 or 28 hogsheads, was stacked and covered with 
mats, and left in charge of the Indians. The governor, 
procuring a guide, travelled home on foot, receiv- 
ing all respect from the natives by the way, and weary 
with galled feet and disappointment. In tliis first 
voyage the governor took Squanto as an interpreter 
and pilot, but unfortunately he was seized with a mor- 
tal fever at Cape Cod, of which he soon died. This 
loss was severely felt, as his place could not be sup- 
plied. 

Although on a former occasion his conduct was 



1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 57 

somewhat exceptionable, yet, as interpreter and pilot, 
the En2;lish always found him faithful and ready to de- 
vote himself to their service. * A short time previous 
to his deaUi, he requested governor Bradford to pray 
that he might go to the Englis*hman's God in heaven ; 
and he bequeathed his little property to his English 
friends, as remembrances of his love.' 

January. Captain Standish made frequent successful 
excursions during the winter, to traffic for corn. and furs. 
While at Nauset, and his shallop in a creek, an Indian 
stole from him some beads, scissors, and other trifles. 
Standish complained to the sachem, and threatened him 
and his people with punishment, unless they were re- 
stored. The next day, the sachem with a number of 
his men appeared to make satisfaction. First, by way 
of salutation, he thrust out his tongue to its full length, 
and drew it across the Captain's wrist and hand to his 
fingers ends. Next, he attempted to bow^ the knee in 
imitation of the English, having been instructed by 
Squanto. All his men followed his example, but in so 
awkward a manner, that the English could scarce refrain 
from breaking out in open laughter. After this cere- 
mony, he delivered the stolen goods, assuring the Cap- 
tain that he had punished the thief. He then directed 
the women to make some bread for the company, and 
expressed his sorrow for the theft, and was glad to be 
reconciled. 

February. Captain Standish, being on a visit to Mat- 
tachiest (Barnstable) to purchase corn, the people freely 
supplied him, pretending to regard him with great friend- 
ship and respect. Several strangers also appeared, 
wishing only to see him and his company ; but Standish 
saw reason to suspect that they were planning to kill 
him. He, therefore, ordered that part of his company 
should remain awake, and watch all night. It was not 
long before some beads were stolen. Standish, having 
but six men with him, ordered that all should leave the 
boat, and surround the house which contained the sa- 



58 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 

chem and his people. He now assured them that as 
he would not offer the least injury to one of them, so 
he would receive none from any person, and demand- 
ed the stolen articles. The sachem having directed 
the thief to go slyly and put them into the boat, desired 
the Captain to search for them there ; he, suspecting 
their knavery, sent a man who found the articles laying 
in plain sight on the boat's cuddy. These people now 
supplied him with corn enough to load his shallop. 
These spirited measures produced an admirable effect 
upon these faithless people, and kept them in constant 
fear. 

March. On a visit to Manomet,"^ Captain Standish 
was apprehensive that the natives were plotting his de- 
struction. Being some distance from his boat, with 
only two or three men, and the same number at the 
boat, he entered the house of Canancum, the sachem ; 
soon after which two of the Mass:ichusetts Indians en- 
tered. The chief one, called VVattawamat, was a no- 
table, insulting villain, who had formerly imbrued his 
bands in the blood of English and French, and had 
often boasted of his own valor, and derided the weak- 
ness of the English, especially because, as he said, they 
died crying, making sour faces, more like children than 
men. This fellow took a dagger from his neck, and 
presented to the sachem, accompanied, by a long 
speech, which the Captain could not understand, but 
which was of the following purport. The Massachu- 
setts had concluded to destroy Weston's company, but 
dare not attempt it, till they could gather strength 
enough to destroy the Plymouth people also, as they 
would never leave the death of their countrymen unre-- 

* Manomet is the name of a creek, or river, which runs through 
the towr of Sandwich into th'^ upper part of Buzzard's Bay, foircer- 
ly called Manomet Bay. Between this and Scuss^U Creek, is the 
place, which, for more than a century, has been thought of, as pro- 
per to be cut through, to form a communication by a navigable ca- 
nal from Barnstable Bay to Buzzard's Bay. It is only six miles 
across. 



1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 59 

venged, and they could, not be safe unless boih planta- 
tions were overthrown. To this end, they formerly 
had solicited this sachem, and also lyanough at Malta- 
chiest, and many others, to assist them ; and now, 
since there was so fair an opportunity by tlie Captain's 
presence, it was best they should make sure of him and 
his company. The savtiges endeavored to persuade 
Standish to send for the remainder of the boat's crew, 
but he refused. At the same lime there was a. lusty 
Indian of Paomet (Truro) present, who had professed 
friendship for the Enghsh, especially for Standish. 
This savage was in confederacy with the rest, but was 
very artful in keeping up appearances, offering many 
presents, saying he was rich, and could afford to bestow 
such favors on his friends whom he loved. He also 
offered to carry some of his corn to the shallop, a kind 
of labor which he said he had never performed for any 
man in his life before. And that he might havii a bet- 
ter opportunity to kill the Captain, he importuned him 
to lodge at his hut, but the weather was so excessive- 
ly cold that he was unable to sleep, and kept about 
the fire. The Indian frequently inquired why he did 
not sleep as usual, and urged him to it, but he replied 
that he had no desire to rest. The next day, the In- 
dian embarked whh Standish, and urged him to ac- 
company him to Paomet, promising to supply him with 
corn, which the Captain complied with, not in the least 
suspecting an evil design ; but the boat was forced 
back by a contrary wind, and returned to Plymouth. 
Thus the savage in two attempts was providentially 
frustrated in his diabolical intentions. 

March. Visit to Massasoit. Information being re- 
ceived that Massasoit was dangerously sick, and that a 
Dutch ship was stranded near his house, the governor 
sent Edward Winslow and Johij Hampden, with Hobo- 
mak, to visit him and minister to his comfort, as this 
act is not only commendable in itself, but is conforma- 
ble to the prevailing custom among the natives in case 



60 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 1 

of sickness. Mr. Hampden was a gentleman from Lon- 
don, says Winslow, who was spending the winter at,: 
Plymouth, and was desirous of seeing the country. Dr. 
Belknap supposes this to be the same person who dis- 
tinguished himself by his opposition to the illegal and 
arbitrary demands of King Charles I.* \_Biog. vol. ii. p. 
229.] — Winslow was acquainted with the Dutch lan- 
guage, and it was desirable to have a conference with i 
them.; he was, moreover, a warm friend ol Massasoit, , 
and he provided for the occasion some comfortable 
cordials, &tc. The first night they lodged with their 
Indian friends at Namasket ; the next day, about one; 
o'clock, they came to a ferry in Corbitant's country, 
(Slade's lerry in Swansey,) where they met with many 
Indians, who informed them that Massasoit was dead, 
and was that day to be buried, and that the Dutch ship > 
would be off before tliey could arrive. This was un- 
welcome news, and Hobomak wished to return imme- 
diately to Plymouth. But Winslow, conceiving that . 
Corbitant would probably succeed Massasoit, and that . 
the distance was only three miles to his dwelling-place, , 
(Mattapoiset,) prevailed on Hampden and Hobomak 
to proceed, although the visit might be attended with 

* ' When wandering about the woods of Pakanoket, or alongj the ; 
banks of Taunton river, or sleeping 'n Indian huts, little did Hamp- 
den dream of the fate which awaited him. Little did he tliink that 
it was reserved for him to commence the ovei throw of the British 
monarchy, and to shed his blood in the first daring attempt for a free 
constitution in England,' — Baylies, vol.i. p. 110. 

We are not aware that such a visit by Hampden is mentioned by 
any British writer. We have never met with ' the memorial of ' 
Jofin Hampden, by Lord Nugent, ' but, from the notice of this work : 
in the Edinburgh Review, we infer there was no knowledge of the 
fact of such a visit. At this period, (1620,) he had not risen to dis- 
tinction, but he was the father of a family, and a member of Parlia- 
ment, and a total silence as to such a voyage, especially in epistolary 
correspondence, is a little difficult to be accounted for. It is a 
known fact, however, that Hampden had a paitiality for the puritans, 
and was a warm friend to the New England Colonies, and it is cer- 
tain, also, that, at a subsequent period, he with his relative, Oliver 
Cromwell, was actually on ship board, boiind to New England, and 
was stopped by order of the royal government. 



1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 61 

danger, as Corbitant was considered to be unfriendly. 
Hobomak immediately began to manifest bis great grief, 
exclaiming often on the way, ' Neen womasu sagimus, 
neen womasu sagimus, &,c. My loving sachem, my 
I loving sachem, many have I known, but never any like 
I thee.' And turning to Mr. Winslow, he said, ' Whilst I 
live I never shall see his like amongst the Indians : he 
was no liar, he was not bloody and cruel, like other 
Indians. In anger and passion, tie was soon reclaim- 
ed ; easy to be reconciled towards such as had offend- 
ed him ; ruled by reason, not scorning the advice of 
mean men ; governing his men better with few strokes 
than others did with many ; truly loving where he 
loved ; and he feared that the English had not a faith- 
ful friend left among the Indians, &ic.' In this strain 
of lamentation and sorrow he continued, till they arrived 
at Corbitant's house ; but he being gone to visit Massa- 
soit, the squaw sachem gave them a kind enti^rtain- 
raent, and informed them that the death of Massasoit 
was not certain, but supposed to be true. Winslow 
hired an Indian to go with all expedition to Pokano- 
ket and ascertain the fact, and to inform Corbitant that 
they were at his house. News was soon brought that 
the king was not dead, though there was no hope that 
they would find him living. On their arrival, they 
found the Dutch ship had sailed, and that Massasoit 
still breathed ; his hut was filled and surrounded with 
people. The pawaws were in the diligent exercise 
of their incantations and charms for him, making a 
* hellish noise,' terrifying both sick and well, and six 
or eight women were chafing his limbs. Massasoit was 
apparently expiring, his sight had wholly left him, but 
being, told that his English friends had come to see him, 
he inquired who had come, and on being told Winslow, 
he desired to speak to him ; on his approach he put 
forth his hand and said twice, though very feebly, 
keen M^insnow ? Art thou Winslow ? Yes. Then 
he doubled these words, maire neen wonekanet naimen 
6 



02 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 

WinsnowJ' * O Winslow, I shall never see you again ? 
Winslow then desired Hobomak to tell him, that the 
governor was grieved to learn of his sickness, and be- 
ing unable to come himself, he had sent him with some 
comfortable things for his relief, and gave him some 
conserve on the point of a knife. With much difficul- 
ty he got this through his teeth, and swallowed a little, 
which he had not done for the two last days. Winslow 
next endeavored to cleanse his mouth from filth, with 
which it was excessively loaded, and his tongue so 
much swollen as to impede his swallowing. He con- 
tinued his kind attention to his patient, repeating his 
application, till, within an hour, all appearances were 
favorable, and he soon obtained some sleep. 

IVJr. Winslow now proposed to send a messenger to 
Plymouth for a further supply of such articles as he 
required, with which the chief was delighted, and soon 
despatched a messenger. Jn the mean time, Winslow 
made him some broth of corn meal, boiled with sassa- 
fras root and strawberry leaves, which he relished. 
He requested Winslow the next day to take his piece 
and kill him some fowl, and make' him some broth. 
The sachem derived great benefit from the kindness 
of Mr. Winslow, of which he and all his people were 
truly sensible, and expressed their sincere gratitude. 
He exclaimed, now I see the English are my friends, 
and love me, and whilst I live I never will forget this 
kindness they have shown me. He earnestly desired 
tliat Winslow would visit the sick people in the town, 
and wash their mouths also, and give to each of them 
some of the same good things which he had given to 
him. Winslow and Hampden, on taking their departure, 
received the blessings of the king and his people. 
When about to depart, Massasoit privately informed 
Hobomak, that there was an extensive combination of 
Indians for the destruction of Weston's colony ; that 
the Massachusetts had drawn a great number of 
sachems into the confederacy; and that during his 



1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 63 

sickness he had been earnestly solicited to join them, 
but he had refused, and forbid his people to be influ- 
enced by them. He advised that the Massachusetts 
should be immediately attacked and cut off, as the 
only way to avert the threatened danger. If the En- 
glish regard their own safety, let thtm strike the first 
blow, for after the settlers at VVessagusset had been 
killed, it would be too late for the Plymouth people 
to withstand so many enemies. Corbitant earnestly 
desired that Winslow and Hampden would lodge one 
night with him at Metiapoiset, on their way to Ply- 
mouth. They complied with this request, and were 
much entertained with his merry humor and jocose 
conversation. He asked if he were sick and should 
send word to Plymoutl^ the governor would send him 
physic, and whether Mr. Winslow should visit him ; and 
ha-.ifi^ ansv^cred in the affirmative, he returned his 
thanks. He inquired of Winslow, how he dared to 
come, beiiig but two men, so far into the country? 
* Winslow replied, that his heart was upright towards 
them, that he had no fear in coming amongst them. 
But, said Ci^i bitant, if your heart be so pure, and it 
produce such fruits, why when we come to Plymouth 
are the mouths of your pieces presented towards us ? 
This, said Winslow, is an honor whicli it is our custom 
to bestow on our best friends. But, shaking his head, 
he answered, that he liked not such salutations. He 
next inquired into the reason of asking grace and return- 
ing thanks before and after eating. Winslow answer- 
ed that all the good things of this life came from God, 
and it is proper that we should crave his blessing and 
express our thankfulness on all such occasions; to which 
he assented. The gentlemen left Corbitant's dwelling 
much gratified with their entertainment. 

March 23c?.-— This being their annual court day, the 
governor laid before the whole company the evidence 
which he had obtained of the hostile combinaiion of the 
several tribes of Indians against the settlement at Wes- 



^ HISTORY OF FLYMOUTH. [1623 

sagnsset. It was resolved, that Captain Standish should 
take with him as many men as he should deem neces- 
sary to encounter all the Indians in Massachusetts Bay 
— that he should disclose his designs to Weston's peo- | 
pie, and secure Wattawamat, a bold and bloody war- 
rior, and bring home his head. 

Captain Standish would take but eight men for this 
service, besides Hobomak, lest he should excite sus- 
picion. On his arrival, his designs were suspected. 
An Indian said he saw by his eyes that he was angry 
in his heart, and, therefore, believed that their plot 
was discovered. Pecksuot, a bold-spirited Indian, and 
a Pinese, that is, counsellor and wai;rior, said to Ho- 
bomak, that he understood that the Captain had come 
to kill him and the rest of the tribe. Tell him, said he, 
we know it, but fear him not; let him begin when he 
dare, he will not take us unawares. Many of them 
would often whet and sharpen their knives, and use in- 
sulting speeches and gestures before his face. They 
were in the habit of wearing knives suspended at the * 
breast, in sheaths tied about the neck. Wattawamat 
bragged of the excellency of his knife, having on the 
handle a woman's face ; but he said he had another at 
home, with which he had killed both French and En- 
glish, having a man's face on it, and these two must 
marry, and by and by it shall see and it shall eat, but not 
speak. Pecksuot, being a large man, said, that though 
Standish were a great Captain, he was but a little man, 
but himself, though no sachem, yet was a man of great 
strength and courage. Standish, though high-spirited 
and irritable, submitted patiently to these abusive prov- 
ocations, till a favorable opportunity should occur. 
The next day the valiant Captain found means to get 
Pecksuot, Wattawamat, and a third Indian, with Wat- 
tawamat's brother, eighteen years old, an insulting vil- 
lain, into a room, and having about an equal number 
of his own men, he made the door fast, and gave the 
signal, beginning himself with Pecksuot 5 he snatched 



65 



16^3] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

his own knife from his neck, a struggle for life ensued, 
the knife was two edged and the savage had sharpened 
it to a needle's point. This was instantly plunged uito 
his bosom, and repeated strokes were given, the victun 
resisting to the last breath. Wattawamat and the other 
Indians were also slain at the same time, and^ihe 
young man was taken, and afterwards hanged. I he 
struggle was awful, but without noise. Hobomak was 
a calm spectator of the appalling scene; after it was 
closed, he said to the Captain, yesterday Pecksuot, 
brai>;ging of his own strength and stature, said, though 
you\vere a great Captain yet you were but a little 
man ; but to day I see you are big enough to ay him 
on the ground. Two more Indians were slain by 
Weston's men. Proceeding to another place, Standish 
killed an Indian ; and afterwards he met a file of sava- 
ges which he encountered, and, after a skirmish, they 
fled into a swamp ; he challenged the sachem to a sin- 
gle combat, but he refused. 

Weston's people, now seeing their danger, resolved 
to quit their plantation, and requested the assistance of 
Captain Standish in conveying them to the fishing ves- 
sels at Munbiggin, hoping to find a passage to i.ng- 
land. The Captain told them that he should not leel him- 
self in danger to reside there with fewer men than their 
number, but at their desire, he would furnish them 
with corn sufficient for their subsistence, til! they could 
arrive at the fishing vessels, although it would almost 
exhaust their store, and stint them for seed corn, bee- 
ins; them under sail in their own vessel, and clear ot 
Massachusetts Bay, he returned to Plymouth m his 
own shallop, bringing with him a few men that prefer- 
red a residence in Plymouth. Thus, within one year, 
was the settlement at Wessagusset broken up, and the 
worthless rabble dispersed. 

Captain Standish, on his return, brought with him 
the head of Wattawamat, as directed, and it was placed 
on the fort, as a terror to the Indians. There was at 
6* 



66 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. ^ [1623 

this time an Indian chained to the floor in the fort, 
having been detected in the conspiracy : he recognis- 
ed the head, and was exceedingly terrified : he ac- 
knowledged the existence of the plot, but not his own 
guilt. He entreated earnestly for his life, which was 
granted, and he returned with a message of caution to 
his brethren. ' The Indians generally who had been 
prepared to join the Massachusetts, were terrified by 
these acts of severe execution. They forsook their 
dwellings, wandered about bewildered, living in swamps 
and deserts, and contracted diseases, of which many 
died. Canancum, sachem of Manomet, Aspinet of 
Nauset, and the interesting lyanough, were among 
the victims to these complicated miseries. When 
Rev. Mr. Robinson received the news of these transac- 
tions, he wrote to the church at Plymouth, ' to consider 
the disposition of their Captain, who was of a warm 
temper.' He hoped the Lord had sent him among 
thenj for good, if they used him right ; but he doubt- 
ed whether there was not wanting that tenderness of 
the life of man, made after God's image, which was 
meet; he thought, 'it would have been happy if 
they had converted some, before they had killed 
any.' These sentiments are honorable to Mr. Robin- 
son. They indicate a generous philanthropy, which 
must always gain our affection, and should ever be 
cherished. Still the transactions, to which the stric- 
tures relate, are defensible. As to Standish, Dr. Bel- 
knap places his defence on the rules of duty imposed 
by his character, as the military servant of the colony. 
The government, it is presumed, will be considered as 
acting under severe necessity, and will require no 
apology, if the reality of the conspiracy be admitted, 
of which there can be little doubt. It is certain, that 
they were fully persuaded of its existence, and, with 
the terrible example of the Virginia massacre in fresh 
remembrance, they had solemn duties to discharge. 
The existence of the whole settlement was at hazard.' 
— Judge Daviis edit, JYew England Memorial, p. 91, 



1623] HIbTORr OF PLYMOUTH. 67 

First Patent. The first patent of Plymouth had been 
taken out in the name of John Pierce, in trust for the 
company of adventurers ; but when he saw the prom- 
lising state of their settlement, and the favor which their 
success had obtained for them with the council for 
New England, he, without their knowledge, but m 
their name, procured another patent of larger extent, 
intending to keep it for his own benefit, and hold the 
adventurers as his tenants, to sue and be sued at his 
courts. In pursuance of this design, he, in the autumn , 
of the last and beginning of this year, made repeated 
attempts to send a ship to New England, but it was 
forced back by storms. In the last attempt the mar- 
iners, about the middle of February, were obliged in a 
terrible storm to cut away their main-mast, and return 
to Portsmouth. Pierce was then on board with luy 
souls. After these successive losses, he was prevailed 
on by the company of adventurers to . assign to them 
for £500 the patent, which had cost hira but i^.^O. 
The soods, with the charge of passengers m the ship, 
cost the company £640. Another ship was hired to 
transport the passengers and goods ; and it arrived at 
Plymouth in July. Soon after arrived a new vessel of 
44 tons, which the company had built, to remam m 
the country ; both brought ^supplies for the plantation 
and about sixty passengers.' 

' Francis West arrived at Plymouth in June, with a 
commission to be admiral of New England with power 
to restrain such ships as came either to fish or trade 
on the coast without license from the New|^ England 
council; but finding the fishermen too stubborn and 
strong L him, he sailed for Virginia The owners of 
the fishing vessels complaining to the Par lament ot 
this atten^^pted restraint, procured an order that fishmg 

^^ The Ccbnlsts were essentially benefited by a vast 
abundance of bass, caught in the creeks ; ^n so ^e oc- 
casions, 1500 were taken at one tide, when these fad- 



68 HISTORY OF PLTMOUTH. [1623 1 



ed they resorted to the never-failing clam banks. Itt 
was their misfortune, in the early part of this summer, , 
to be reduced to the sev erest sufferings by a scantiness > 
of provisions, threatening a famine. A vessel with i 
supplies, which they expected in the spring, was obli- 
ged twice to put back by stress of weather, and did 
not arrive till August. In May, they planted an unusual 
quantity of Indian corn, but it was so ordered, that a 
drought of six weeks continuance cut off all their fa- 
vorable prospects. Until the middle of July, the 
earth was as ashes, the produce scorched as before a 
fire, and the hopes of man were overthrown. In this 
extremity, as in all adverse circumstances, these pious 
sufferers invoked the God of heaven for relief A 
day of humiliation and prayer was appointed ; the morn- 
ing was fair and the sky cloudless ; their fervent re- 
ligious worship was continued eight or nine hours with- 
out ceasing. At night the clouds were seen to gather, 
and the sky was overcast ; the next morning they 
were cheered with moderate refreshing showers, and 
the rains continued to descend at intervals for fourteen 
days. The natives were struck with amazement. 
Hobomak, during the continuance of the drought, ex- 
pressed his grief and concern lest the English should 
lose all their corn, and starve. The Indians, said he, 
can live on fish. But after the rain he rejoiced and 
said, ' Now I see Englishman's God is a good God, for 
he hears you and sends rain, and without storms and 
tempests, which break down our corn ; surely he is a 
good God.' At a convenient season they also solem- 
nized a day of public thanksgiving for rain, and for a 
supply of provisions from England. ' By the time 
our corn is planted,' said Bradford, ' our victuals are 
spent, not knowing at night where to have a bit in the 
morning, and have neither bread nor corn for three or 
four months together; yet bear our wants with cheer- 
fulness, and rest on Providence.' The devout elder 
Brewster lived for many months together without 



1623] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 69 

bread, and chiefly on fish and clams, yet, with this 
scanty fare, he, with his family, would give tlianks 
that they could ' suck of the abundance of the seas 
and of the treasures hid in the sand.' In winter, much 
use was made of ground-nuts instead of bread, and 
wild fowls were constantly to be obtained in the marsh- 
es and creeks, and not unfrequently a deer was brought 
from the forest, which was divided among the whole 
company. It has been stated that they were at one 
time reduced to a single pint of corn, which being 
equally divided gave to each person five kernels, which 
were parched and eaten. The first establishment of 
the planters embraced such circumstances, as to main- 
tain a community of interest, ns respects the cultiva- 
tion of the land, and the product was necessarily 
thrown into the common slock. By the articles of 
agreement with the merchant adventurers in England 
the personal services of the planters, and of their 
wives and children, were estimated at a stipulated rate^ 
and to make common stock with property advanced, 
either by them or their adventurers. But this year it 
was judged advisable to change the system imd cre- 
ate an individual interest, by allowing every family 
the product of its labor to its own particular use. 
Each family to have a certain parcel of land in propor- 
tion to its numbers, on the condition only of a certain 
portion of the corn set apart at the harvest for those 
who were engaged in public business and for the fish- 
ermen. This arrangement operated as a stimulus to 
individual industry, and a larger quantity of corn was 
planted this year than before. 

In July and August, two ships, the Ann and the 
little James, arrived with supplies, and 60 passengers, 
among whom were Timothy Hatherly, George Mor- 
ton, and John Jenney, with the wives and children of 
some who had arrived before. By these ships letters 
were received from their agent, Mr. Cushman, and 
from the adventurers. Mr. Cushman writes, 'Some 



70 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1623 

few of your old friends are come ; they come dropping 
to yon, and by degrees; I hope ere long you shall en- 
joy them all.' The adventurers write, ' Let it not be 
grievous to you, that you have been instruments to 
break the ice for others, who come after with less 
difficulty ; the honor shall be yours to the world's end. 
We bear you always in our breasts, ar.d our hearty af- 
fection is towards you all, as are the hearts of hundreds 
more, which never saw your faces, who doubtless pray 
for your safety as their own.' 

These new comers were extremely affected with 
the miserable condition of those who had been almost 
three years in the country. An interview with old v 
friends under such suffering circumstances was truly | 
appalling. ' The best dish we could present them with,' ' 
says governor Bradford, ' is a lobster or piece of fish, 
without bread, or anything else but a cup of fair spring 
water; and the long continuance of this diet with our 
labors abroad, has somewhat abated the freshness of 
our complexions; but God gives us health.' 

First Jury. — It appears from the following ordinance 
that this little band of exiles duly appreciated the pri- 
vilege of trial by jury. 

*lt is ordained, this 17th day of December, A. D. 
1623, by this court, then h^ld, that all criminal facts, 
and also all matters of trespass and debts between man 
and man, shall be tried by the verdict of twelve hon- 
est men, to be impanneled by authority in form of a 
jury upon their oaths.' — Colony R(:co7'cIs. 

Under August 14th of this year, Mr. Prince places 
the fourth marriage in the settlement, governor Brad- 
ford to Mrs. Alice Souihworth. This is taken, it is 
said, from the governor's register. A more particular 
account will be given under the year 1657. 

On the 10th of September, the Ann sailed for Lon- 
don, on company account, laden with clapboards, and 
all the beaver and other furs which they had collected 
at Plymouth. Mr. Edward Winslow went passenger 



1624] HISTOKV OF PLYMOUTH. 71 

in the Ann ' to inform how things are,' says governor 
Bradford, ' and |)rociire wliat we want.' 

1624. — Tiie colonists had hitljerto appointed but 
one assistant to ttie jrovernor; but the present year, by 
the request of Mr. Bradford, four others were added, 
and to the governor was given a double vote. Gov- 
ernor liradlord on this occasion strongly recorrjrnended 
a rotation in the office, alleging that if it were any 
honor or benefit, otfjers beside hinriself should partake 
of it ; if it were a burden, others sfiould Ijeip to bear 
it. But he was notwithstanding re-elected, and re- 
peatedly afterwards. 

On the request of tlie peo[)le to the governor that 
they might have some land for permanent use, instead 
of the accustomed assignment by annual lot, he gave 
every person an acre for himself and his family, as near 
as it was convenient to the town.* 

Edward Winslow, having been sent to England, 
the last year, as an agent for the colony, on his re- 
turn liome brought three heifers and a bull, which were 
the first rjcai cattle brought to Plymouth. Tlie settlers 
were desiitute of fnilk the first four years. Mr. Wins- 
low was absent but six months, and brought with him 
provisions and clothing. 

When we consider the sequestered situation of our 
})uritan fatliers, and their privations and sufferings, it 
is scarcely credible that a sfiirit of enmity should sub- 
sist a'ialnsl them on the other side of the Atlantic. 
Bui such was the fact ; a division among the adventur- 
ers took place, a party of them were dissatisfied with 
the affairs of the colonists ; groundless calumnies were 
urged against them; and it was determined, if possible, 
to prevent Rev. Mr. Robinson and the remainder of 
his church from coming over, alleging that their narrow 

* The particular Ic^cation of these Jots to each iri'Jivuiual family 
refepecliviy, may he firjund in Jiidj^e IJaviw's ettition ol the Memo- 
rial, and ii\so in Hon. Mr. Jiaylierf's lJi»lorical Memoir, vol. i. page 
257. 



72r HISTORY OF PLYxMOUTH. [1624 

scheme of religious polity was unfriendly to a trading 
establishment. With Mr. Winslow, one John Lyford, 
a preacher, but a man of loose morals, was sent over by 
some of the adventurers. This man, on his first arrival, 
saluted the planters ppparently with great reverence and 
humility, bowing and cringing in a very unbecoming 
manner, and even wept when blessing ' God that had 
brought him to see their faces.' The governor treated 
him with all respect, and admitted him into his councils 
with Elder Brewster and others. He soon desired to 
be received into fellowship with their church, making 
a confession of his faith, and a humble acknowledg- 
ment of his former sinful courses, and blessed God for 
the opportunity of disburdening his conscience, he. 
It was not long before he was observed in close intima- 
cy with one John Oldham, a man of turbulent and rest- 
less spirit, and the mischievous effects of this associa- 
tion soon became manifest. They diffused a factious 
spirit among the more vicious part of the populace who 
could be brought in opposition to the colonists, and in 
aid of their enemies in England. Eyford was observ- 
ed to be much engaged in writing letters to go by the 
return ship to England, and was not very careful to 
conceal a knowledge of their contents from those whom 
they most concerned. It was even boasted openly, 
among the confidants of Lyford and Oldham, that their 
letters would effect a change of affairs at Plymouth. 
The governor, apprehensive that these letters would 
be productive of evil consequences, should they reach 
their destination in England, thought himself bound 
to intercept them. He went on board the vessel in 
the harbor, and, on representing to Capt. William Pierce, 
the commander, his suspicions, it was agreed that the 
letters should be unsealed, as the welfare- of the colony 
was doubtless deeply involved in the issue. A scene 
of perfidy was now disclosed, making it evident that 
they were scheming a total subversion of the civil au- 
thority, and of the church government. That the af- 



1624] BISTORT OF rLYMOUTH. 'J'S 

\ fairs of the colony might devolve on themselves. Their 
letters were filled with base invective, and false accusa- 
tions against both church and state in the new colony. 
The governor deemed it proper to take copies of these 
letter?; but of some of the most palpably obnoxious, 
he retained the originals, and replaced them with co- 
nies The breaking the seals of private letters may 
Lays be justified, when for the purpose of detecting 
a treasonable correspondence, which may effect the 
ru n of a community.' Amongst the Ly ord letters wa 
one to John Pemberton, a minister well known to be 
inimical to the colony, and in this letter were endosed 
<,opies of a letter from a gentleman - E"f ^>"1 ^^ M^' 
Brewster, and of another from i\Ir. Wmslow to Rev 
Mr. Robinson. These two copies were taken from the 
original sealed letters by Lyford, when on board the 
•ship while laying at Gravesend, bound to America. 

Governor Bradford remained silent respecting the 
information which he had obtained, but kept a strict 
watch over the conduct of the culprits, that their ad- 
herents and their designs might be more '^l«^''b'^ ^ i; 
covered. Oldham soon become obstreperous refusing 
to comply with his military duty when called on to 
watch according to rule. He even insulted the cap- 
Tah^and attacked him with a knife, and ranted furious- 
y against all who attempted to q^iet.'"'"- . "V;^^^ 
imprisoned, and a slight punis Im.ent be."? .nfl-ted he 
made confession and was released. Soon aftet this 
Lyford, with his accomplices, proceeded to extremity, 
b defiance of the ruling authority and without con- 
sulting the governor, church, or elder, set up a publ c 
meeti'ng apa^t on the Lord's day, and a.tempte o ad- 
minister the sacrament. In this crisis of aflTaus, the 
"L summoned a court of the whole co,n,,any, 
Ind preferred his charges against Lyford »"d Oldhatn. 
With audacious face they denied the cha^S.^^' «°d '«- 
ouired proof. On this extraordinary occasion, gover- 
nor Bradford expatiated on the principal objects and 
7 



74 HISTORY OF PLMYOUTH. [1624 

views of their emigration here, the toils and sufferings 
to which they had been subjected, that they might en- 
joy the ordinances of God in freedom and quietness. 
In adverting to the case of Lyford, he reminded him 
that he had not participated in those sufferings, nor in 
the expense, but was sent over, and, with his large 
family, received kindly and supported at much expense; 
and now to plot against them and seek their ruin, was 
most unjust and perfidious. Lyford still denied the 
charge, and pretended not to understand the language 
addressed to him. The governor could no longer 
withhold the overwhelming truth. The letters from 
his own hand were now produced, and where is the 
man with sufficient effrontery not to be utterly confound- 
ed ? Oldham began to be furious, and to rage bitter- 
ly that their letters had been intercepted. He endeav- 
ored to excite a mutiny among the people, exhorting 
them to show their couiage, that now was the time to 
side W'ith him in open rebellion, and he would stand by 
them. But he gained not a man ; all were confounded 
and even the seditiously disposed were quelled through 
fear. The governor now proceeded to reprove Ly- 
ford for his base hypocrisy and treachery ; in abusing 
his friends, in breaking the seals of private letters and 
taking co[)ies ; and at this time he caused Lyford's 
letters to be read to the whole company. He was next 
reminded of his confession when admitted to church- 
fellowship, and his saying at that time that he did not 
hold himself a minister till he could have a new call- 
ing for that purpose, and yet, now he had drawn a par- 
ty aside, and, without acquainting the governor or the 
church, he was about to administer the sacrament, by 
virtue of his former calling. He only replied, that 
many persons had complained to him of abuses, but 
the persons he named denied his assertions. At length 
the miscreant, with eyes streaming with tears, confes- 
sed ' that be feared he was a reprobate, and that his 
sins were so great that God would not pardon them ; 



1624] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 75 

he was ' unsavory salt,' and that ' he had so wronged 
them that he could never make thetn amends ;' confes- 
sing ' all he had written against them was false and 
i naught, both for motive and manner.' 
• Both of these men were convicted, and the court 
sentenced them to be expelled the plantation. Old- 
iham to depart immediately, though his wife and family 
had liberty to tarry all winter, or till he could rem:)ve 
them comfortably. Lyford had liberty to tarry six 
months, and the governor intended to remit his punish- 
ment, if his repentance proved sincere. He acknovvl- 
ecLod that his sentence was just, far less than he de- 
served, and afterwards confessed his sin before the 
church with tears in abundance. He acknowledged 
that he had slanderously abused the people expecting 
that a majority would side with him, and that he should 
gain his point, and he now blessed God that his designs 
were frustrated. He confessed himself to be actuated 
by pride, vain-glory and self-love ; that his eyes and 
his ears were shut against all good ; and that if God 
should make him a vagabond on the earth, as was Cain, 
it were but just. Such was the apparent sincerity of 
these professions of sorrow and repentance, that many 
; * tender-hearted persons, had pity and compassion on 
j him, and he was again permitted to teach, and some 
i were willing to fall on their knees to have his sentence 
remitted.' 

Can it be credited, that in less than three months af- 
ter his conviction, and before the term of his probation 
had expired, notwithstanding all his tearful confessions 
before God and the church, he should be found guilty 
of a new offence ? He actually wrote another slander- 
ous let^ter to his abettors in England, but the person to 
whom it was entrusted delivered it to the governor. 
John Oldham departed from Plymouth to Nantasket, 
and Lyford accepted of an invitation to be the minister 
of Cape Ann. At the annual election in March, 1625, 
Oldham returned to Plymouth, in violation of his sen- 
tence the last year, which prohibited his return without 



76 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1624 

the consent of the Governor. He conducted again in 
such a factious and abusive manner, that his own asso- 
ciates were ashamed to be seen in his company, andi 
it became necessary to confine him, till some punish- 
ment could be prepared for him. He was made to* 
run the gauntlet through a double file of armed men, 
and each man was ordered to give him a blow as he 
passed, with the butt end of his musket, saying at the 
same time, ^ go and mend your manners f he was then 
conducted to his boat, which lay at the water's side for 
his departure. 

Oldham afterwards applied himself to trade at Nan- 
tasket, with commendable industry and good success. 
He undertook a voyage to Virginia, and while in immi- 
nent danger of shipwreck, his mind was deeply impres- 
sed with a sense of his evil course of life, and he made 
many confessions and promises of amendment, if God 
should spare his life, and these vows he verified by a 
more correct course, insomuch, that the people of Plym- 
outh permitted him to come into the place, whenever 
it migfit be convenient. Some time after, while on a 
trading voyage at Block Island, having some conten- 
tion with the Indians, he fell a sacrifice to their bar- 
barity. As to Lyford, Mr. Winslow, while in Eng- 
land, made sucli disclosures of his conduct while in 
Ireland, as could not fail to confound his best friends 
and adherents ; and among the adventurers he was final- 
ly condemned, as unfit for the ministry. After suffer- 
ing many disappointments and troubles, he went to 
Nantasket, then to Salem, and afterwards to Virginia, 
wliere he sickened and died. The affair of Lyford 
and Oldham is narrated by Secretary Morton, in lan- 
guage of great severity if npt prejudice, and some sug- 
gestions of caution in its perusal are found in other au- 
thors. 

Captain Smith's statistical account of Plymouth, 
at this period is thus condensed in Prince's Chronology,. 
'At New Plymouth, there are now about 180 persons^ 



1625] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 77 

some cattle and goats, but many swine and poultry 
Thirty-two dwelling-houses ; the town is impaled about 
a mile in compass.'* 

' On a high mount in the town they have a fort well 
built of wood, lime and stone, and a lair watch-house ; 
the place it seems is healthful, for in tlie three last 
years, notwithstanding their great want of most neces- 
saries, hath not one died of the first planters ; and this 
year they have freighted a sbip of 180 tons. The gen- 
eral stock already employed by the adventurers to Plym- 
outh is about seven hundred pounds.' 

In the same ship which brought i\Ir. Lyford to 
Plymouth, came a carpenter and salt maker, both 
sent by the adventurers. ' The carpenter,' says gov- 
ernor Bradford, ' is an honest and very industrious man, 
quickly built us two very good and strong shallops, 
with a great and strong lighter, and had hewn timber 
for two ketches ; but this was spoilt ; for in the beat 
of the season of the year, he falls into a fever and 
dies, to our grief, loss and sorrows' The salt man he 
describes as ignorant, foolish, and self-willed, and pro- 
duced nothing. On the 5th of August, Mr. Thomas 
Prince, who was afterwards governor, w'as married to 
Miss Patience Brewster, being the ninth marriage 
which had been solenmized in th^ colony. 

Great dissensions having prevailed among the mer- 
chant adventurers in London, and being under consid- 
erable pecuniary embarrassments, the company this 
year, 1625, dissolved, and the major part of its mem- 
bers relinquished all interest in the affairs of the com- 
pany, and lelt the colonists to provide for themselves. 
The colonists were, this year, so successful in their 

* This statement cannot be correct ; an impalement consists of large 
logs or posts set into the «;round, so noar together that nothino can 
enter between them, and generally they are about ten feet hi2;h 
An impalement of a mile would be out of proportion to the number 
of people, and the labor would exceed their abilities, with their 
other cares and avocations, 
7* 



78 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [16^ 

crops of Indian corn, that they were overstocked, and 
wis-hing to convert part of it to some profit in trade, 
and having no other vessels than two shallops, they 
laid a deck on one of them, and sent her, laden with 
corn, to Kennebec. Although the shallop was pro- 
vided with a deck amid-ship to keep the corn dry, yet 
the men were exposed to the weather without shelter. 
Having no seaman for this service, Mr. Winslow and 
some of the ' old standards,' performed this voyage, in 
a tempestuous season, on the approach of winter. 
They disposed of the corn to advantage, and returned 
with seven hundred pounds of beaver^ besides other 
furs, and at the same time opened a profitable trade 
for future occasions. 

The merchant adventurers at London, having sent 
two ships on a trading voyage to New England, one of 
them returning, laden with cod-fish, and having on 
board also eight hundred pounds of beaver, with other 
furs, and the other also laden with dry fish, both sailed 
from Plymouth, the larger towing the smaller ship till 
they reached the Englisli channel, when, being cast off, 
she was surprised by a Turkish man-of-war, by whom 
she was captured and carried Into Sallee, where the 
master and his men were made slaves. In the larger 
ship, Capt. Miles Stfmdish went over as agent in be- 
half of the plantation, in reference to some afl^airs de- 
pending between them and the adventurers. He pro- 
videntially escaped the fate of those in the other ves- 
sel. 

1626. — In April of this year, Caot. Miles Standish 
reiured from England. He was the bearer of tidings 
which occasioned universal grief and sorrow. It was 
the death of the Rev. John Robinson, the beloved 
pastor of the Leyden and Plymouth church. Mr. 
Robinson died at Leyden, March 1st, 1625, in the fif- 
tieth year of his age. A greater loss could not have 
been sustained in their circumstances. A particular 
detail of the character of this great and good man will 



1626] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 79 

be found under the head of Ecclesiastical History, in 
this volume. His widow and children came over to 
Plymouth colony. His son, Isaac, lived to the age of 
ninety. ' A venerable man,' says Mr. Prince, ' whom 
I have often seen.' He left male posterity in the 
county of Barnstable. Another instance of death 
very afflictive to the colonists, was announced by cap- 
tain Standish. It was Mr. Robert Cushman, one of 
their most valued friends. Mr. Cushman had resided* 
in England since his return from Plymouth in 1621. 
He was a man of estimable character, and rendered 
essential service to the colonists. When at Plymouth 
in 1621, although a layman, he preached a sermon 
' on the sin and danger of self love.' This was the 
first sermon ever preached in New England : accord- 
ing to tradition, the spot where it was delivered was 
the common house of the plantation, on the southerly 
side of Leyden street. It was printed in London in 
1622, and afterwards reprinted in Boston, in 1724. 
Another edition was puhlished at Plymouth in 1785, 
with an appendix, giving some account of the author. 
In 1822 this celehrated sermon was again published at 
Stockbridge, with the appendix. 

In governor Bradford's letter-book, a fragment of 
which is preserved, is a letter from four of the adven- 
turers written eighteenth December, 1624, said by 
Governor Bradford to be in Mr. Cushman's hand-writ- 
ing. It gives much insight into their affairs, especial- 
ly relative to their connexion with the adventurers, and 
evidences the good sense and excellent spirit of the 
writer. He wrote about the same time to governor 
Bradford. In the same letter- book, is a copy of gov- 
ernor Bradford's reply, dated June 9th, 1625, probably 
sent by Captain Standish. In his letters to governor 
Bradford, Mr. Cushman expresses a hope of coming 
to them in one of the next ships. His son Thomas, 
at that time a youth, whom he brought with him in the 
Fortune, in 1621, was then in the family of governor 



80 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1627 

Bradford. * I must entreat you,' says he in his last 
letter, ' to have a care of my son as your own, and I 
shall rest bound unto you.' The request, we can have 
no doubt, was sacredly regarded. This son became 
a useful member of the society in which he was nur- 
tured from childhood. He was chosen ruling elder of 
the church in 1649, after the death of Elder Brewster. 
He married Mary, a daughter of Mr. AUerton, and 
<iied 1691, aged eighty-four. A tombstone was erect- 
ed to his memory in 1715, by the church and congre- 
gation at Plymouth. He left several children. One 
of them, Isaac, was the first minister of Plympton. 
His widow survived till 1699. She is the person 
mentioned by Hutchinson, vijI. ii. p. 408, as the only 
one of the first comers surviving in 1698. 'Descend- 
ants from this respectable stock are numerous, espe- 
cially in Plympton, Duxbury and Middleliorough.' 
Memorial. In the will of Elder Thomas Ciishman, 
dated October 22d5 1690, he mentions his sons Thom- 
as, Isaac, Elkanah, and E'eazer. Also his wife Mary, 
and his daughter Sarah Hook, and Lydia Harlow. 
His son Thomas, Isaac, and Elkanah settled in Plymp- 
ton and died there, and probably Eleazer also. 

l627.-For greater convenience oftrade, the Plymouth 
colonists this summer built a small pinnace at Manomet, 
a place twenty miles to the south of Plyniouth, (Buz- 
zard's Bay,) to which place they transported tlieir goods. 
Having taken them up a creek within four or five 
miles, they carried them over land to the vessel, and 
thus avoided the dangerous navigation around Cape 
Cod, and made their voyag- to the southward in far 
less time, and with much less hazard. For the safe- 
ty of their vessel and goods, they also built a house, 
and kept some servants ihere, who planted corn, rais- 
ed hogs, &nd were always ready to go out with the 
bark, and this became f ^ establishment of some im- 
portance. In the time of the late war with Great 
Britain, the editor of the Memorial says he had an op- 
portunity to witness at Sandwich a revival of this mode 



1627] HiSTORr OF Plymouth. 81 

of conveyance, to which the inhabitants of Cape Cod 
found it convenient to resort for the purpose of avoid- 
ing the risk of capture by the enemy's cruisers on the 
coast. 

At this period the colonists received numerous let- 
ters from their affectionate friends and brethren at 
Leyden. They were sorrowing under the irreparable 
loss of their beloved pastor, and pining with little hope 
for a re-union with their christian brethren at Plymouth. 
They were poor and dejected, and the society was 
hastening to a dissolution. The event of a re-union 
was equally desirable on the part of their friends at 
Plymouth. Governor Bradford and his associates 
were determined to make every possible effort to effect 
the object ; no pecuniary sacrifices were deemed too 
great. Mr. Allerlon had been sent several times, as 
agent to London, to negociate a settlement of all pe- 
cuniary concerns with the company of adventurers, 
and to solicit assistance in behalf of the Leyden church. 
He returned in the spring of this year, after a success- 
ful execution of his commission, and was so fortunate 
as to purchase all the interest of the company of ad- 
venturers for the planters at Plymouth. 

This year it was deemed expedient to distribute 
portions of land to each person, allotting to each twen- 
ty acres of arable land, five acres in breadth by the 
water side and four acres In length, in addition to the 
acre of homstead and garden plot, formerly allotted. 
There was also a division of the cattle and goats. In 
the edition of the Memorial, by Judge Davis, page 
389, will be found a particular allotment of cows 
and goats to individual families, and by that list the 
state of several families, may be determined. The di- 
vision of cows and goats took place soon after the con- 
nexion of the Plymouth settlers with the company of 
merchant adventurers in England was dissolved. In 
1624, Mr. James Shirley, merchant of London, and 
one of the adventurers, a warm friend to the pilgrims, 



82 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1627 

gave a heifer to the plantation to begin a stock for the 
poor. In 1638, the townsmen of New Plymouth met 
at the governor's, all the inhabitants from Jones' river 
to Eel river, respecting the disposition of the stock of 
cows given by Mr. Shirley. The amount of the stock 
was very consideratlle, and a respectable committee 
was appointed to dispose of the same. In one of his 
letters, this benevolent gentleman says , ' If you put off 
any bull calves, or when they grow to bigger stature, 1 
pray let that money or money's worth purchase liose 
and shoes for the poor at Plymouth, or such necessa- 
ries as they may want ; and this I pray make known 
to all.' ' All this gentleman's letters,' observes the ed- 
itor of the Memorial, ' exhibit the most estimable dis- 
positions. When Plymouth shall distinguish its streets 
and public places with the name of ancient worthies, 
that of Shirley should not be forgotten.' 

In March of this year, messengers arrived at Plym- 
outh from the governor of the Dutch plantation at Hud- 
son's river, with letters dated at Manhattas, Fort Am- 
sterdam, March 9ih, 1627, and written in Dutch 
and French. In these letters, the Dutch congratula- 
ted the English on their prosperous and commendable 
enterprise, tendered their good will and friendly ser- 
vices, and offered to open and maintain with them a 
commercial intercourse. The governor and council of 
Plymouth sent an obliging answer to the Dutch, ex- 
pressing a thankful sense of the kindness which they 
had received in their native country, and a grateful ac- 
ceptance of the offered friendship. The letters were 
signed by Isaac De Razier, Secretary. 

In September, of the same year, the Plymouth plant- 
ers received a visit from De Razier. Having ar- 
rived at the Plymouth trading-house at Manomet, ac- 
cording to his request, governor Bradford sent a boat 
for him, and he arrived at Plymouth, in the Dutch 
style, with a noise of trumpeters. He was a chief 
merchant, and second to the governor. 



1627] HISTORY or Plymouth. 8S 

The people of Plymouth entertained him and his 
company several days, and some of them accompanied 
him on his return to Manomet, and purchased of him 
some commodities, especially tvampum peack, or wam- 
pum. The Plymouth settlers were unacquainted with 
wampum, as an article of commerce, but, from the in- 
formation received from the Dutch, they were induced 
to purchase the article of the Indians, to the value of 
£50, for traffic ; it was unsaleable the two first years ; 
but afterwards became a very important article of 
trade, especially with the inland Indians, who did not 
make it. ' Wompompague,' says Mr. Gookin, ' is made, 
artificially, of a part of the wilks shell ; the black is 
double the value of the white. It is made principally 
by the Narraganset and Long Island Indians. Upon 
the sandy flats and shores of those coasts, the wilk 
shells are found.' In Roger Williams' key, wampum 
is considered as the Indian money, and is described in 
the twenty-fourth chapter of that interesting tract. 
* One fathom of this, their stringed money, is worth 
five shillings. Their white money they call wampum, 
which signifies white ; their black, suckawhock, suki 
signifying black.^ The editor of the Memorial says he 
received from the late professor Peck, a reply to some 
inquiries on this subject. He was satisfied that wam- 
pum was made from the shell of the paquawhock, or 
quawhaug. A traveller in this country in the year 
1760, describing his journey from Newark to New 
York, by the way of Staten Island, has the following 
remark : ' In my way, I had an opportunity of seeing 
the method of making wampum. It is made of the 
clam shell ; a shell consisting within of two colors, 
purple and white, and in form not unlike a thick oys- 
ter shell. The process of manufacturing it is very sim- 
ple. It is just clipped to a proper size, which is that 
I of a small oblong parallelopiped, then dulled, and af- 
terwards ground to a round smooth surface, and pol- 
ished. The purple wampum is much more valuable 



S4 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1629^ 

than the white ; a very small part of the shell being 
of that color.' 

1628. — The Plymouth company had, for some time,.! 
been endeavoring to obtain a patent of a tract of landi 
on the Kennebec river, as a place of trade. This- 
year their object was accomplished, and they erected! 
a house high up the river, and furnished it with corn i 
and other commodities, for a market. This year died I 
Mr. Richard Warren, one of the passengers in the 
Mayflower, and a man of great usefulness during the 
sufferings and difficulties of the first settlement. ' Eli- 
zabeth Warren, the widow of Richard Warren, sur- 
vived her husband about 45 years. She died in 1675, 
aged 90. Honorable mention is made of her in the 
Plymouth records. They had seven children, two sons 
and five daughters, all of whom married in Plymouth, 
excepting Abigail, the youngest daughter, who married 
Anthony Snow, of Marshfield. Richard Warren stands 
at the head of the ninth share in the division of cattle 
in 1627. His location of lands was near Eel river, 
and the farm has remained in possession of his descend- 
ants till within about three years. The late Honora- 
ble James Warren, of Plymouth, was a descendant from 
Richard Warren. 

This year commenced the troubles occasioned by 
the eccentric Thomas Morton, of famous * Merry 
Mount ' and * May Pole ' memory ; bnt as this ' Lord 
of Misrule ' was not an inhabitant of Plymouth, and as 
his affairs were transacted chiefly at Mount Wollaston, 
(Braintree,) the reader is referred to the New England 
Memorial for particulars. 

In 1628, or 1629, some Plymouth people, putting 
into Nantasket, met with a Mr. Ralph Smith, in a very 
miserable condition, but finding him to be a sober-mind- 
ed man, and having officiated as a minister, they, by 
his earnest desire, brought him to Plymouth, where 
he was settled as their first minister. See Ecclesias- 
tical History. 



1630] HISTORY OF PLYMOtTTH. 8B 

1629. — This year, Dr. Fuller, one of the first comers 
over, a skilful physician as well as pious man, was 
called to visit some sick people at Salem, as a malig- 
nant disease prevailed there among a company of emi- 
grants from England, under the care of Mr. John En- 
dicott, afterwards governor. 

Governor Bradford, and some others from the church 
tDf Plymouth, went to Salem, to assist in the ordination 
of Mr. Skelton, pastor, and Mr. Higginson, teacher, or 
ruling elder. Governor Bradford, and the other mes- 
sengers from the church of Plymouth, gave them the 
right hand of fellowship. 

In August of this year, thirty-five families of the 
church of Ley den arrived at Plymouth. They were 
received with great joy, and the expenses of their trans- 
portation were paid gratuitously by the undertakers, 
and they were subsisted out of the public stores for 
more than a year. Mr. Allerton, who made a third 
voyage to England in the autumn, of 1628, as agent 
for Plymouth, returned this year, in the month of 
August. He was greatly useful in assisting the fami- 
lies of the Ley den church in their removal to this 
place. 

The Plymouth colony received this year a new 
charter, with the great seal of James I. dated January 
13th, 1629. The grant is to William Bradford and 
his associates. It recites the rise and progress of the 
plantation, and that it had increased to 300 people. 
The charter also includes a tract of land thirty miles 
square on Kennebeck river. This charter, with the 
box in which it came, is now in the office of the regis- 
ter of deeds in this town. 

1630. — Another portion of the Ley den people, about 
sixty in number, arrived on the 8th of May. Their 
transportation, amounting to £550, was paid by the 
undertakers. 'The generosity of the chiefs of the 
colony to their Leyden brethren,' says Mr. Baylies, 
^ is unparalleled. They almost deprived themselves 
8 



S6 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1632! 

of the common necessaries of life to get them over, and] 
to support them, until they were able to support them- 
selves.' 

Execution. John Billington, indicted for murder, 
was found guilty, and executed in October. This 
was the first execution in Plymouth colony. Govern- 
or Bradford says, ' He was one of the profanest 
amongst us. He was from London, and I know not 
by what friends shuffled into our company. We usedi 
all due means about his trial ; he was found guilty, 
both by grand and petit jury ; and we took the advice 
of Mr. Winihrop, and others, the ablest gentlemen in i 
the Massachusetts Bay, who all concurred with us that 
he ought to die, and the land be purged from blood.' 
He was guilty of the first offence in the colony in 1621, 
when he suffered an ignominous punishment. Gov- 
ernor Bradford, writing to Mr. Cushman in 1625, says, 
* Billington still rails against you, and threatens to ar- 
rest you, I know not wherefore ; he is a knave, and 
so will live and die.' Billington waylaid and shot 
one John Nevvcomen, in revenge for some affront. It 
was Francis, who in 1621, discovered the lake that has 
the name of Billington Sea. In October of this year, 
the ship called the Handmaid arrived at Plymouth ; 
having been twelve weeks at sea, and lost all her 
masts. About sixty passengers arrived, all well, but of 
twenty-eight cows shipped ten were lost. 

I{jfi2.— First Water Mill. Stephen Dean was al- 
lowed to set up water works to beat out corn ; after- 
wards he was allowed to erect a grinding mill, but to 
surrender up his beating mill. His mill was erected 
near Billington Sea, where he had a house. 

A law was made in the colony this year, inflicting 
a penalty of twenty pounds on any person who should 
refuse to accept of the office of governor, unless he was 
chosen two years in succession, and whoever should re- 
fuse the office of counsellor or magistrate, was required 
to pay ten pounds. 



163 



I 



1632] HISTORY OF PLTxMOUTH. 87 

* Whereas our ancient work of fortification, by con- 
tinuance of time is decayed, and christian wisdom 
teacheth us to depend upon God in the use of all 
good means for our safety, it is agreed by court, that 
fortifications be made in March or April, and the gov- 
ernor and council measure the work, and appoint the 
whole their joint and separate part of labor, and, in 
case any shall fail to do their part, they to forfeit ten 
shillings a day for each default, and to pay his or their 
part of labor, as the overseers shall agree.' 

In the autumn of 1632, governor Winthrop, of Mas- 
sachusetts, Rev. Mr. Wilson, and some other gentle- 
men from Boston, visited Plymouth. In Winthrop*s 
Journal the party is thus described : ' The governor, 
with Mr. Wilson, pastor of Boston, and two captains,' 
&c. The two captains, it may be presumed, were 
Endicott and Underbill. ' They went on board captain 
Pierce's ship, (October 28th,) which had just before 
arrived from England, and were put on shore at a 
place called Massagascus. The next morning, the 
governor and his company went on foot to Plymouth, 
and arrived witliin the evening. The governor of 
Plymouth, Bradford, with Mr. Brewster the elder, and 
some others, came forth and met them without the 
town and conducted them to the governor's house, 
where they were kindly entertained and feasted every 
day at several houses. On the lord's day was a sacra- 
ment, which they did partake in, and in the afternoon 
Mr. Roger Williams, (according to their custom,) pro- 
pounded a question, to which their pastor, Mr. Smith, 
spake briefly. Rev. Mr. Williams prophesied, and 
after, the governor of Plymouth spake to the question ; 
after him, the elder, then some two or three more of 
the congregation. Then the elder desired the gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts and Mr. Wilson to speak to it, 
which they did. When this was ended, the deacon, 
Mr. Fuller, put the congregation in mind of the duty 
of contribution, upon which the governor and all the 



8S HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, [1633^ 

rest went down to the deacon's seat and put into the 
bag, and then returned. 

October 31 5^.— Wednesday, about five in the 
morning, the governor and his company came out 
of Plymouth; the governor of Plymouth, with the 
pastor and elder, he. accompanying them near half a 
mile out of town in the dark. ^ The lieutenant. 
Holmes, with two others, and the governor's man, came 
along with them to the great swamp, about ten miles. 
When they came to the great river, they were carried 
over by one Ludham, their guide, (as they had been 
when they came,) the stream being very strong and 
lip to the hips ; so the governor called that passage 
Ludham's Ford. Then they came to a place called 
Hue's Cross : the governor being displeased at the 
name, in respect that such things might hereafter give 
the papists occasion to say that their religion was first 
planted in these parts, changed the name, and called 
it Hue's Folly ; so they came that evening to Massa- 
gascus, where they were bountifully entertained as be- 
fore, with store of turkeys, geese, ducks, &c., and the 
next day to Boston.' 

The great swamp mentioned in this narrative was 
in Pembroke ; the great river is supposed to be what 
is now called JVorth River. Ludham's Ford was prob- 
ably in Hanover, about fourteen miles from Plymouth. 
Massagascus was probably written Wessagascus, and 
indicates the place which w^as commonly called Wes- 
sagasselt. The term prophesyiiig , in the sense intended 
by governor Winthrop in his account of the religious 
exercises at Plymouth, has become obsolete. It orig- 
inated in the reign of Elizabeth, when the puritans 
maintained frequent religious exercises, in which texts 
of scripture were interpreted or discussed, one speak- 
ing to the subject after another, in an orderly method. 
1633.— This year, Mr. Edward Winslow was cho- 
sen governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth, 
IMr. William Bradford, captain Miles Standish, Mr. 
John Howlandj Mr. John Alden, Mr. John Done, Mr 



1633] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 89 

Stephen Hopkins, and Mr. William Gilson were cho- 
sen to be his assistants in government. Governor 
Bradford, having served in the office of governor about 
twelve years, now, by importunity, got off. 

At a general court, held 28th October, it was by 
full consent agreed upon, that the chief government be 
held in the town of Plymouth, and that the governor 
live there, and keep his residence and dweUing, and 
there also to hold such courts as concern the people. 

It is a current tradition, that the house, in which the 
general court held their sessions for many years, occu- 
pied the identical spot on which now stands the dwelling 
house of Mr. Thomas Jackson, in Main street, and that 
some of the original timber was incorporated into the 
present house. The walls of the chamber were high, 
in which sat the governor and assistants, and the lower 
room was occupied by the house of deputies. 

All and every person in the colony to be subject to 
such military orders for training and exercise of arms, 
as agreed upon by the governor and assistants. 

The town of Plymouth was this year visited with a 
mortal sickness, of which upwards of twenty men, wo- 
men, and children died. Among others, was that most 
excellent and pious man, Dr. Samuel Fuller. He had 
attached himself to the puritan interest, while at Ley- 
den, and came over as a member of Robinson's church, 
in the Mayflower. He twice visited Salem in the 
discharge of his professional duties, and, being ex- 
perienced in the church afl:airs at Plymouth, commu- 
nicated some useful information to governor Endicott, 
relative to the formation of a church at Salem, for 
which he received his grateful acknowledgments. 
He was an ardent friend to the church, of which he 
was deacon, and was distinguished for his moral and 
christian virtues. ' The spring before this sickness,' 
says Morton, (Memorial), 'there was a numerous 
company of flies, which were like for bigness unto 
wasps or bumblebees ; they came out of little holes in 
8* 



ll 



90 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l635 I 

the ground, and did eat up the green things, and made : 
such a constant yelling noise as made the woods ring ; 
of them, and to deafen the hearers. They were not ' 
heard nor seen hy the English in the country before 
this time, but the Indians told them that sickness would 
follow ; and so it did. Very hot in the months of June, 
July, and August, of that summer.' The insect here 
described, is the locust, which has appeared in our 
woods at distant intervals since. 

In the inventory of Dr. Fuller, three cows were ap- 
praised January 2d, 1633, at sixty pounds sterling. 

1634. — This year Mr. Thomas Prince was chosen 
governor of the jurisdiction of New Plymouth. Mr. 
William Bradford, first assistant, or deputy governor, 
and six other gentlemen were chosen assistants. 

Indian Anecdote. Governor Winthrop mentions in 
his Journal, that * Mr. Winslow, coming in his bark 
from Connecticut, left his bark at Narraganset, to re- 
turn to Plymouth by land. Asamequin (INIassasoit), 
his old ally, offered to be his guide, but before they 
took their journey, the Sagamore sent one of his men to 
Plymouth, to tell them that Mr. Winslow was dead, and 
directed him to show where he was killed ; whereupon 
there was much fear and sorrow at Plymouth. The 
next day, when Asamequin brought him home, they 
asked him why he sent such word ; he answered, that 
it was their manner to do so, that they might be more 
welcome when they came home. 

1635. — William Bradford chosen governor, Edward 
Winslow, Thomas Prince, and five others assistants. 

Mr. E. Winslow again visited England, as agent for 
the colony, and was joint agent for Massachusetts also. 
While before the council, on the affairs of the colonies, 
archbishop Laud, being greatly incensed against him, 
as against all the colonists, as separatists from, the 
church of England, accused him of officiating in the 
celebration of marriages, and as religious teacher. Mr. 
Winslow acknowledged that he had occasionally taught 



1635] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 91 

publicly in the church, and that he had officiated in 
Tthe celebration of marriages as a magistrate, and that 
he himself had been married by a magistrate. The 
archbishop pronounced him guilty of separation from 
the national church, and ' by vehement importunity,' 
says governor Bradford, 'got the board at last to con- 
sent to his commitment. He was conveyed to the 
Fleet prison, and was there confined about seventeen 
weeks.' — See Ecclesiastical History. 

On the 15th of August, Plymouth was visited by a 
tremendous storm or hurricane, which is thus de- 
scribed in INIorton's Memorial. * It began in the morn- 
ing a little before day, and grew, not by degrees, but 
caine with great violence from the beginning to the 
great amazement of many : itblew^ down sundry houses, 
and uncovered divers others ; divers vessels were lost 
at sea in it, and many more ^vere in extreme danger. 
It caused the sea to swell in some places to the south- 
ward of Plymouth, as it rose to twenty feet right up 
and down, and made many of the Indians to climb into 
the trees for safety. It threw down all the corn to the 
ground, which never rose more, and the which, through 
the mercy of God, it being near the harvest time, was 
not lost, though much the worse ; and had the wind 
continued without shifting, in likelihood it would have 
drowned some part of the country. It blew down 
many hundred thousand of trees, turning up the stronger 
by the roots, and breaking the high pine trees, and 
such like, in the midst, and the tall young oaks and 
walnut trees of good bigness w^ere w^ound as withes by 
it, — very strange and fearful to behold. It began in 
the southeast and veered sundry ways, but the great- 
est force of it at Plymouth was from the former quarter : 
it continued not in extremity above five or six hours, 
before the violence of it began to abate ; the marks of 
it will remain this many years in those parts where it 
was sorest. The moon suffered a great eclipse two 
nights after it.' There is a close similarity between 



92 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1635) 

the hurricane described by Mr. Morton, and that which 
we experienced in the same place in 1815.* 

March 13th. — Thomas Boreman agreed with, to be 
paid in beaver, at ten shillings a-piece, or other com- 
modities of valuable price, to be levied on the com- 
pany, to do the fort in manner following : all the posts, 
ten inches square, and not to stand above ten feet asun- 
der ; to be done with three rails between every post, 
the post and rails to be sawed, he to enclose the whole 
with sawed boards ; to be nine feet high, and to be cut 
sharp at the top. 

It appears that previous to this date the general 

* Although not strictly coincident with the history of Plymouth, , 
the following interesting detail may not be deemed altogether for- 
eign from the subject. 

In the abore-mentioned tempest, a bark, belonging to Mr. Aller- 
ton of Plymouth, was sbipwrecked at Cape Ann, and twenty-one 
persons drowned ; among others, Mr. John Avery, a minister, re- 
cently from Wiltshire in England, with his wife and six children. 
None were saved but Mr. Anthony Thatcher and his wife, who 
were cast on shore. The vessel was returning from Ipswich to 
Marblehead. Thomas Thatcher, nephew to Anthony, unwilling 
to encounter the voyage, travelled the journey by land, and thereby 
escaped the shipwreck. Mr. Thomas Thatcher, so providentially 
preserved, was the first pastor of the third church in Boston, and is 
believed, by the recent editor of Winlhrop's Journal, to have been 
the progenitor of all who have rendered this name in church and 
state illustrious, in Massachusetts. Dr. C. Mather says, the storm 
drove the vessel on a rock, that it was quickly broken all to pieces; 
that almost the whole company were drowned, by being succes- 
sively washed from the rock; that, while Rlr. Avery and Mr. 
Thatcher were hanging on the rock, Mr. Thatcher holding his 
friend by the hand, ' resolved to die together.* Mr. Avery, having 
just finished a short and devout ejaculation, was by a wave swept 
off into the sea. The island has been called Thatcher's Island ever 
since; the next island, Thatcher's Wo. The rock, Avery's Fall. 
A cradle, and a cradle covering, of scarlet broadcloth, elegantly 
embroidered, saved from the wreck, is still preserved in the Thatch- 
er family at Yarmouth, and was shown to me a few years since. 
Anthony Thatcher took up his residence at Yarmouth, from whom 
hath sprung a very numerous progeny, and from whom I trace my 
own ancestry. In 1643, and several subsequent years, Anthony 
Thatcher was si deputy from Yarmouth to the general court, at 
Plymouth. John Thatcher died at Yarmouth, May 8th, 1713, aged 
seventy- five. At the time of his death, he was a counsellor of 
Massachusetts. 



J 1636] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 93 

J court promulgated no penal laws, but the people were 
governed by the moral law of Moses and the New Tes- 

; lament, as paramount to all others. These laws hideed 

. accord with that patriarchal simplicity of manners and 
morals which were the crownins; characteristics of the 
puritan fathers. Among the penalties inflicted on in- 

[ dividuals under the administration of governor Brad- 
ford, governor Winslow, and g;overnor Prince, from 
1632 to 1640, we find the following instances recorded. 
Frances Sprague, for drinking overmuch, fined ten shil- 
lings ; Frances Billingham, and John Phillips, for drink- 
ing tobacco in the high way, twelve shillings, each — 
this was probably using tobacco by smoking. Stephen 
Hopkins, presented for selling beer at two pence per 
quart, which was worth but one penny. John Barnes, 
for sabbath breaking, was fined thirty shillings, and set 
one hour in the stocks. Edward Holman, less guilty, 
fined twenty shillings. Thomas Clark, for selling a 
pair of boots and spurs for fifteen shillings, which cost 
him but ten, fined thirty shillings. William Adey, for 
working on Sunday was severely whipt at the post. 
1636. — Edward Winslow chosen governor this year. 
Plymouth Declaration of Rights. The body of 
laws adopted by the colony of Plymouth, styled ' The 
General Fundamentals,' was now established. The 
first article is, ' That no act, imposition, law, or ordi- 
nance, be made or imposed upon us at present, or 
to come, but such as has been, or shall be, enacted by 
the consent of the body of freemen or associates, or 
their representatives legally assembled ; which is ac- 
cording to the free liberties of the free born people of 
England.' 

The second article is, * And for the well governing 
this colony, it is also ordered, that there be a free elec- 
tion annually of governor, deputy governor, and assist- 
ants, by the vote of the freemen of this corporation.*. 
The fundamentals are dated, 1636. The style of en- 
actment is, ' We, the associates of the colony of New 



94 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1636 

Plymouth, coining hither as free born subjects of the 
kingdom of England, endowed with all and singular 
the privileges belonging to such, being assembled, do 
enact, ordain, and constitute, &,c. 

Plymouth Laws. ' For the better government of the 
Indians, and for their improvement in civility and 
Christianity, the assembly of Plymouth colony made 
several laws for preaching the gospel to them ; for ad- 
mitting Indian preachers among them, &c. with the 
concurrence of the principal Indians ; for making or- 
ders and constituting courts, for appointing civil rulers, ^' 
and other officers, to punish misdemeanors, with the 
liberty of appeal to the county court and court of assist- 
ants.' — Holmes^ Annals. 

Capital offences punished with death. Rebellion 
against the king, murder, solemn compaction or con- 
versing with the devil, by way of witchcraft, or the 
like.* In the formation of the laws, regard was had, 
* primarily and principally, to the ancient platform of 
God's law.' 

I have hitherto detailed the concerns of the colony 
and the town, hand in hand, without distinction. While 
the governor and assistants acquitted themselves of ap- 
propriate duties, they fulfilled those of magistrates and 
of selectmen. The court of assistants was composed 
of the governor and assistants, and the general court 
consisted of the governor and assistants, and the dep- 
uties from the several towns forming the lower house. 
Here it may be proper to introduce an abstract, relative 
to their mode of government, from the valuable history 
of the old colony, by Hon. Francis Baylies. 

' The pilgrims,' says Mr. Baylies, ' had adopted 
no constitution or instrument of government, except 

* ' Whatever imperfections may be justly ascribed to our fathers, 
(which, however, were as few as any mortals have discovered,) 
their judgment in forming their policy was founded on wise and be- 
nevolent principles. It was founded on revelation and reason too. 
It w^as consistent with the best, greatest, and wisest legislators of 
antiquity.' — Pres. Adams. 



1636] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 95 

the simple compact which was signed in the cabin of 
the Mayflower, November, 1620, and which recog- 
nized no principle but that of allegiance to the king, 
and the controlling power of the majority of the peo- 
ple in the transactions of the colony. No laws were 
made for the general organization of the government ; 
the limits of political rights and political powers not 
defined ; the governor and assistants maintained their 
small portion of authority rather by common consent, 
than by a lawful delegation of power.* =^** Crimes 
and punishments were neither declared nor defined. 
The only magistrates were the governor and assistants. 
The office of justice of the peace was unknown. Trials 
were had in the general court before juries, selected 
from the whole body of the freemen of the colony ; 
and, until 1634, the governor and assistants were not 
by law considered a judicial court. The magistrates 
had no jurisdiction of civil actions, and in criminal of- 
fences their jurisdiction was confined to the power of 
binding over the accused to appear at the general court. 
The duties, powers, and obligations of husband and 
wife, parent and child, guardian and ward, master and 
servant, &c.- were controlled and influenced by usages 
which had been varied from the usages of England, 
&LC. Marriage was deemed a civil contract, and was 
solemnized by the civil magistrate, and not by the 
pastor or elder. With respect to political objects, 
previous to the year 1636, the Plymouth colony may 
he considered to have been but a voluntary association, 
ruled by the majority, and not by fixed laws. It does 
not appear, except in a very few instances, that they 
availed themselves of their delegated powers under 
their patent to enact laws, until 1633. A few laws 
only, and such as were of the most urgent necessity, 
were then established.**** The power of the church 
in effect was superior to the civil power, but in terms 
was confined to the infliction of censure only.' 

Literally abstracted from the civihzed world, our 



96 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l63l ' 

revered puritan fathers held the bible in estimation as ; 
the basis of all laws ; the precepts of the gospel the : 
rule of their lives and the fountain of their dearest 
hopes. It was the inwoven sentiment of their hearts, 
that the sovereign power resides with the people, and 
this was the fundamental axiom upon which their gov- 
ernment was reared. 

It was this year enacted, that, on the first Tuesday 
of June, a governor and seven assistants should be 
chosen, ' to rule and govern the plantation within the 
limits of this corporation,' and the election was con- jj 
fined to the freemen, church membership being an in- *i 
dispensable qualification for freemen. 

An oath was to be administered to the governor, the 
assistants, the freemen, and to all who resided among 
them. A treasurer and constable w^ere annually cho- 
sen, but no sheriff. 

It was ordered, that every constable-wick should be ; 
provided with stocks and whipping-posts. These were 
appendages to every meeting house till within the last 
fifty years. ■ 

It was provided that no servant, coming out of hisi 
time, or single person, be suffered to keep house for 
themselves, until they were completely provided with 
arms and ammunition ; and were not allowed to be 
housekeepers, or to build any cottage or dwelling, 
till such time as they be allowed by the governor and 
council of assistants, or some one or more of them. 

1637. — Edward Winslow chosen governor this year. 
Great disturbance and perplexity was occasioned by 
one Samuel Gorton, lately from Boston. He en- 
deavored to introduce heretical or obnoxious doctrines, 
and seduce the people to his opinions, and having pro- 
voked Mr. Ralph Smith, the minister, to a controversy, 
he was, on his complaint, summoned before the court 
for trial, and, conducting most insolently towards 
magistrates and ministers, he was fined and ordered to 
find security for good behavior, and to quit the place 



1638] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 97 

in fourteen days. He next w€nt to Rhode Island, 
where he so conducted that he was sentenced to suffer 
corporal punishment by whipping, and was banished. 

1638. — Thomas Prince chosen governor this year. 
There was a great earthquake in New England this 
year, on the first day of June. The earth shook with 
such violence, that, in some places, the people could 
not stand without difficulty in the streets, and most 
moveable articles in their houses were thrown down. 
This phenomenon formed a memorable epoch in the an- 
nals of New England. 

Execution, Four young men who were servants 
at Plymouth absconded from their masters, and, ram- 
ih'ng abroad, they met with an Indian in the woods 
near Providence, but within the jurisdiction of Ply- 
mouth ; they killed him to rob him of his wampum ; 
tone of the murderers escaped, the other three were 
tried, and, confessing their guilt, were condemned and 
executed."^ It may be thought extravagant to hang 
three Englishmen for one Indian, but it serves to show 
the stern purpose of (he puritans, that the most rigid 
justice should not be withheld from the defenceless na- 
tlves. 

It is ordered, that if any man make a motion of mar- 
riage to any man's (laughter or maid, without first ob- 
taining leave of her parents or master, he shall be 
punished by fine not exceeding five pounds, or corpo- 
ral punishment, or both, at the discretion of the bench, 
according to the nature of the offence. 

Any person denying the scriptures to be a rule of 
life, shall suffer corporal punishment at discretion of 
the magistrates, so as it shall not extend to life or limb. 

The court granted that Clark's Island, the Eel 
River Beach, Saguish and the Gurnet's Nose, shall be 

* The court which tried the above mentioned murderers con- 
sisted of governor William Bradford, Edward Winslow, Thomas 
Prince, Capt. Miles Standish, John Alden, John Jenney, John 
Brown, and John Atwood. 
9 



98 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1639IJ 

and remain unto the town of Plymouth, with the wood* i 
thereupon. 

1639. — William Bradford chosen governor this year, 
' The towns in Plymouth colony, for the first time, sent 
deputies for legislation. Their first general assembly 
was on the 4th of June. Hitherto, the governor and 
bis assistants, under the general name of the associates 
of the colony of New Plymouth, were virtually the ' 
representatives of the people. All laws w^ere enacted, \ 
and all government managed by them, for nearly twenty ' 
years. They had a few laws, which they termed gen- 
eral fundamental ; but, in general, they were governed 
by the common law and statutes of England.' 

The representatives from the town of Plymouth to 
the legislative assembly in general court this year, 
were William Paddy, Manasseh Kempton, Jr., John 
Cook, Jun. and John Dunham. 

This year the general court of Massachusetts passed 
the following order for the regulation of the ladies' dress. 
' No garment shall be made with short sleeves ; and 
such as have garments with short sleeves, shall not wear 
the same, unless they cover the arm to the wrist ; and 
hereafter, no person whatever shall make any garment 
for women, with sleeves more than half an ell wide, 
(twenty-two and a half inches). 

The first prison was ordered to be erected at Ply- 
mouth ; to be twenty -two feet long, sixteen feet wide 
within walls, and two stories high ; to have three floors, 
and covered with boards, and well finished. This 
prison was probably completed in 1641, as it is men- 
tioned by some writers that the first prison was erected in 
that year. According to the Old Colony records, it was 
seated near Little Brook, hence called Prison Brook, 
where Mr. N. Russell's house now stands. Jt was this 
year ordered, that the grand juiy in each town should 
take notice of all idle persons, and inquire how they 
live ; if they cannot give a good account of themselves, 
the constable to bring them before the governor or 



1642] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 99 

magistrate. In 1640, by an additional law it was pro- 
vided, that each complaint should be made on oath. 

It was ordered, that profane swearing should be 
punished by setting in the stocks three hours, or by 
imprisonment. Telling lies, for every offence, fined 
ten shillings, or stocked for two hours. 

This year the great Sachem, Massasoit, and Mooanam 
his son, came into the court held at Plymouth on the 
twenty-fifth day of September, and desired that the 
ancient league and confederacy, formerly made with 
the government of Plymouth, wherein he acknowledged 
i himself subject to the king of England and his succes- 
sors, may stand and remain inviolable. 

The ancient confederacy was fully confirmed for 
perpetuity by Massasoit and his son, and also by the 
governor of Plymouth colony, on their part. 

1640. — William Bradford was chosen governor, and 
John Jenney, John Rowland, John Atwood, and Wil- 
liam Paddy were the representatives to the legislature. 
J. B. was presented for buying rye at four shillings 
per bushel, and selling it for five shillings ; also for sell- 
ing thread for five shillings per pound. 

1641. — Mr. John Jenney was allowed certain privi- 
leges at Clark's Island to make salt, which he was to 
sell to the inhabitants at two shillings the bushel. 
Herring wear let for' three years to three persons, who 
are to deliver the shares of herrings, and to receive 
is. 6d. the thousand for their trouble. A barque, of 
forty or fifty tons, was built at Plymouth, January 24, 
1641. The estimated expense was £200, and the 
whole was divided into shares of one eighth or one 
sixteenth, and were contributed by thirteen persons. 
This was doubtless the first vessel of size ever built at 
Plymouth. 

1642. — William Bradford was elected governor, 
and John Doane and John Cooke deputies. Thirty 
acres of land were granted at Clark's Island, (the use 
of them) to the five partners that make salt for twenty- 
one years. A keeper was hired to take charge of the 



100 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1643 

COWS from May 1st, to the last of October, for thirty- 
six bushels of corn and a pair of hose and shoes. A 
fortification was erected, and ordnance mounted on 
Fort Hill this year. 

1643. — Edward Winslow was this year elected 
governor, Mr. Prince, Mr. Jenney, ]\]r. Hopkins, Mr. 
Paddy, and Mr. N. Sowther were the deputies. 

This is the memorable epoch of the First union of 
the JVew England Colonies. A confederacy had 
been in agitation several years. As early as 1631, 
the subject was discussed ; and the following year, 
articles of union, for amity, offence, and defence,, 
mutual advice and assistance upon all necessary oc- 
casions, were drawn, and referred to the next year 
for fmlher consideration. Difficulties, however, occur- 
red, which retarded the execution of the design until 
the present year. The colonies of Connecticut, New 
Haven, and Plymouth, despatched Commissioners 
to Boston in May, at the time of the session of the 
Massachusetts general court. This court appointed 
commissioners to meet those of the other colonies. A 
spirit of harmony and mutual condescension was au- 
spicious to the great object, and on the 19th of May 
the articles were completed and signed at Boston. 
The reasons assigned for this union were, the dispersed 
state of the colonies, the vicinity of the Dutch, Swiss, 
and French, who were inclined to encroachments ; the 
hostile disposition of the neighboring Indians ; the ap- 
pearance of a general combination of these savage 
tribes, to extirpate the English colonies ; the com- 
mencement of civil contests in the parent country ; the 
impossibility of obtaining aid from England in any 
emergency ; and in fine the alliance already formed be- 
tween the colonies by the sacred ties of religion. The 
commissioners declared, that, as in nation and religion, 
so in other respects, they be and continue one ; and 
henceforth be called by the name of the United Colo- 
nies of New England. Here we may discern the gefiia 
of our present national system. 



') 1643] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 101 

I The members of this league were deemed by all their 
neighbors as one body, with regard to their public 
transactions, though the peculiar affairs of each con- 
tinued to be managed by its own courts and magistrates. 

On the completion of the colonial confederacy, sev- 
eral Indian sachems came in and submitted to the En- 
glish government, among whom were Miantonomoh, 
the Narraganset, and Uncus, the Mohegan chief. The 
union rendered the colonies formidable to the Dutch 
as well as Indians, and respectable in the view of the 
French ; maintained general harmony among them- 
selv^es, and secured the peace and rights of the country ; 
preserved the colonies during the civil wars and unset- 
tled sia^e of England ; was the grand instrument of 
their defence in Philip's war, and was essentially ser- 
jviceable in civilizing and christianizing the Indians. 
The proportion of men assigned to the colonies by this 
alliance, was 100 to Massachusetts, and 45 to each of 
the other three colonies, Plymouth, Connecticut, and 
New Haven. This union subsisted with some altera- 
tions until the year 1686, when all the charters were 
in effect vacated by a commission from King James II. 
This confederacy was acknowledged and countenanced 
by the authority in England, from its beginning until the 
restoration, and in letters from King Charles II. no- 
tice is taken of it, without any exception to the es- 
tablishment.' — Holmes^ Annals, wltere he notices nume- 
rous other authorities. 

A watch-house was this year built of brick, on Fort 
Hill. The bricks were furnished by Mr. Gromes at 
lis. the thousand. This is the earliest notice of brick. 
In digging a grave on the summit of Fort Hill, a (ew 
years since, a large body of brick was discovered a 
few feet beneath the surface of the earth. 

Householders were ordered to provide themselves 

with fire arms and ammunition, and drum-heads to be 

procured by subscription. In September, the whole 

township was classed in a watch, to be kept from sun- 

9* 



102 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1644 : 

set to sunset, in regard of danger from the Indians. Six ; 
men and a corporal assigned to a watch, when these • 
persons were chosen the council of war. 

Wolf traps were, by the colony court, ordered to be 
made ; w^hen the whole town was classed to make them 
at various places. The wolves made distressing dep- 
redations on their herds and folds many years. Gov- 
ernor's assistants were classed on this occasion. 

1644. — John Atwood, who had been one of the as- 
sistants, and also a deputy to the general court, died 
this year. He was a man of much usefulness in the 
place, and in life and death exemplified the christian . 
character. In the course of this year the inhabitants 
of the town, but chiefly the church members, had in 
contemplation a singular project, which well nigh ef- 
fected a total abandonment of their first labors and foot- 
paths on our shore. It appears by the church records,, 
that a considerable part of their body viewed their 
present establishment as barren and unproductive. 
They became so dissatisfied with their unpromising lo- 
cation, that they were willing to relinquish all their in- 
terest in it for a more advantageous situation. Indi- 
viduals were frequently removins;, and the church be- 
gan seriously to think, whether it were not better tore- 
move jointly and bodily, than to be thus weakened and 
insensibly dissolved. Many meetings and much con- 
sultation resulted in indecision and contrariety of opin- 
ions. Some, who opposed the removal, would yet 
assent to it, rather than see a dissolution of the church, 
provided a more eligible situation could be agreed on, 
and a majority at length acquiesced. The place se-- 
lected w^as no other than JVauset, now Eastham, on 
Cape Cod, and the purchase was made, merely from a 
superficial view. But, on a further examination, the 
new territory disappointed their expectations, and they 
changed their resolution. It was found to be 50 miles 
from the centre of the setdements, remote from all so- 
ciety, and surrounded by a wilderness of savages. Its 
extent so limited as to be insufficient to accommodate 



1644] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 103 

the whole society, much less capable of receiving in- 
creasing numbers. The harbor incomparably less com- 
modious, and more exposed to enemies than Plymouth. 
From these, and other considerations, the church, as a 
body, changed their determination, but a considerable 
number of respectable individuals resolved on a remo- 
val, and the church relinquished their rights, which 
were purchased by individuals, who removed and took 
possession.* ^ 

Orders agreed upon by the council of war. 1 . That 
the lead be made up into bullets, and men hired to do 
it. 2. That when an alarm is made and continued 
in Plymouth, Duxbury, or Marshfield, there shall be 
20 men sent from Plymouth, and as many from Dux- 
bury, and ten from Marshfield, to relieve the place 
where the alarm is continued. 3. And when any oth- 
er places stand in need of help, upon the continuing of 
the alarm, then a beacon to be fired, or else a great 
fire to be made, for Plymouth, upon the gallows hill, 
on the captain's hill for Duxbury, and on the hill by 
Mr. Thomas's house for Marshfield. 

* It is worthy of serious remark,' says the writer m 
Historical Collections, vol. iii. second series, ' that near- 
ly the same regulations have been resorted to by their 
posterity, in the war of the revolution, and now, (1815) 
not with the savages, but with a people of kindred 

origin.' , , i j 

On the 16th of April of this year, the church and 
society were most grievously afflicted by the death of 
William Brewster, their ruling elder and kind benefac- 
tor. The life of this excellent man was protracted to 
the 84th year of his age.— *See his character in the 
Ecclesiastical History. 

* Amonff the principal people who removed from Plymouth to 
Eastham, were Thomas Prince, who had been twice governor ot 
the colony, John Doane, one of the deacons of the church Nicholas 
Snow Josiah Coolc, Richard Hi^^ins, John Smalley, and Edward 

* Hangs. Duxbury and Marshfield had before been settled entire- 
ly from Plymouth. 



104 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1649 

1646. — Great agitation was occasioned in Plymouth 
this year, by the arrival of Capt. Thomas Cromwell, 
with three ships of war, bringing with them several 
rich prizes, taken from the Spaniards. His seamen 
were exceedingly intemperate and riotous ; one of them 
attempted the life of his commander, who, wresting 
his rapier from him, gave him a mortal wound on his 
head. The captain was tried by a court-martial, and 
acquitted. 

The town was at this time almost deserted, in con- 
sequence of the removals to Eastham, and other towns, 
at different times. Governor VVinthrop represents it as 
a special interposition of divine providence, that Cap- 
tain Cromwell's squadron should have been compelled 
by stress of weather to put into the harbor, as, during 
their continuance of fourteen days, they spent liberally, 
and gave freely to the poorer sort. The freemen and 
townsmen, were, in number, seventy-nine only in town, 
at this time. 

Mr. Edward Winslow was this year a third time des- 
patched as agent to England, for the adjustment of 
some difficulties respecting the colonies of both Mas- 
sachusetts and Plymouth. He executed his commis- 
sion with great ability, and such was his high standing 
in that country, that he accepted some employment 
there, under O. Cromwell, and never returned to Ply- 
mouth, which was much lamented by his brethren in 
the colony. — Sec Life of E. W. further on. 

1649. — The death of Governor Winthrop, of Mas- 
sachusetts, this year, 1649, was considered as a heavy 
loss to all New England. It occasioned much grief 
and sorrow at Plymouth, where his counsel and advice 
had been often sought and received, as from one of 
sound judgment and the purest integrity. He died at 
the age of sixty. His life and character are ably de- 
lineated in the American Biography, and by many 
other wrhers who have been justly impressed with 
his worth and excellence. His Journal, edited by 



1651] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 105 

Hon. James Savage, is deserving of the perusal of every 
family in New England. 

Town meetings were first warned to be held in the 
meeting house, and selectmen were first chosen this 
year. The number were seven, five being a quorum. 

1651. — William Thomas died this year, and was 
honorably buried at Marshfield. Mr. Thomas was one 
of the merchant adventurers in England, connected with 
the Plymouth planters, and came over about the year 
1630. Secretary Morton says of him, ' that he was a 
well approved and well grounded Chiistian, and one 
that had a sincere desire to promote the common good 
both of church and state. He was chosen an assist- 
ant in 1642, and was re-elected to that office annually 
until his death.' His son, Nathaniel, served in Phil- 
ip's war, in 1675. Many of his descendants reside at 
Marshfield. One of his descendants, General John 
Thomas, formerly of Kingston, commanded the Amer- 
ican forces at Roxbury, at the commencement of the 
revolutionary war, and, after the death of general 
Montgomery, succeeded him in the command of the 
army in Canada. The late Hon. Joshua Thomas, 
of this town, another descendant, was one of his aids 
in that service. 

Eight wolves were killed in Plymouth, and two in 
Duxbury. 

Nathaniel Basset and Joseph Prior were fined twenty 
shillings each, for disturbing the church in Duxbury ; 
and at the next town meeting or training day, each to be 
bound to a post for two hours in some public place, with 
a paper on their heads, on which their crime is written 
in capital letters. Miss J. Boulton for slandering, sen- 
tenced to sit in the stocks during the court's pleasure, 
and a paper written with capital letters to be made fast 
unto her all the time of her sitting there ; all which was 
performed accordingly. 

The town of Barnstable was presented for not con- 
tributing to build Eel river bridge. The towns of 



106 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [165i 

Sandwich, Yarmouth, and Barnstable, being required 
to build it. 

Jonathan Coventry, of Marshfield, was presented fon: 
making a motion of marriage to Catharine Bradbury\ 
without her master's consent. 

L. Ramsgate was ])resented for lying, slandering 
and defaming her brother-in-law, T. R. 

Joann, the wife of O. Mosely, was presented for beating 
her husband, and getting her children to help her, and 
bidding them knock him in the head, and wishing his 
victuals might choak him. Punished at home. 

1655. — Edward Winslow. This gentleman was 
born in the year 1594, and was the son of Edward 
Winslow, of Droitwich, in Worcestershire, England. 
The family was ancient and honorable. In early life 
he entered on a course of travels on the continent of 
Europe, and forming an acquaintance with Rev. John 
Robinson, the puritan divine, he united himself with 
the church under his pastoral care while at Ley- 
den, where he settled and married. He possessed: 
a sound intellect, a pious heart, and happy address, 
and his eminent services in mitigating the sufferings^ 
and promoting the settlement of the pilgrims, entitle 
him to the gratitude of posterity. Accordingly we 
find his name mentioned with honor in all the rec- 
ords of transactions pertaining to our earliest history. 
It will be perceived by the preceding pages, that Mr. 
Winslow emigrated with the first company to America 
in the Mayflower in 1620, his family consisting of his 
wife Elizabeth, and three other persons. On his 
arrival at Cape Cod, he subscribed the covenant oft 
incorporation, and his name is the third on the list.. 
He was one of the company who first explored the shores: 
and harbors of Cape Cod and Plymouth, and that se- 
lected the plac'e as the foundation of the first town to 
be erected in the New England territories. His wife 
died March 24th, 1621, and on the 12th May follow- 
ing he married Susanna, the widow of William White. 



1655] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 107 

; This was the first marriage ever solemnized in New 
England, and the lady was the mother of Peregrine 
White, the first English child born in this newly dis- 
1] covered region. Mr. Winslow held the first interview 
iwith Massasoit on Strawberry hill, and volunteered 
ijhimself a hostage while governor Carver negotiated a 
treaty with the Sagamore, April 2, 1621. In July the 
; same year he performed a journey to Pokanoket, the 
; seat of Massasoit, to ascertain his situation and to culli- 
vvate his friendship. He had the address to accom- 
plish the object of his mission and to form a treaty of 
amity with the great sachem. In March 1623, he 
; again visited Massasoit, accompanied by John Hamp- 
den, and ministered to his relief when dangerously sick, 
(See page 59.) He was despatched to England in 
! September, 1623, as an agent to transact some concerns 
for the colony, and in the short time of six months he 
returned to Plymouth, bringing provisions, clothing, 
and the first stock of neat cattle ever in New England. 
While in England he published a narrative of the 
settlement and transactions of the colony at Plymouth, 
entitled ' Good News from New England, or a relation 
of things remarkable in that plantation — by Edward 
Winslow.' This narrative is abridged in Purchase's 
Pilgrims, and has been of great utility to all succeed- 
ing historians. Mr. Winslow being personally concerned 
in all the transactions which he related, and his veracity 
unquestionable, his writings are considered as entitled 
to unlimited confidence and credit. His narrative 
contains an interesting account of the manners and 
customs, the religious opinions and ceremonies of the 
aboriginal tribes with which ho had made himself ac- 
quainted, and his writings will be read with profit by 
all who feel an interest in the subject and have 
a relish for simplicity and truth. During the same 
year he wrs again sent to England as agent for the 
colony. In the year 1625 he was elected one of the 
five assistants in the colonial government, in which office 



108 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1655 



he was continued till 1633, when he was elected gov- 
ernor of the colony for one year. From his activity,, 
fortitude and perseverance, Mr. Winslow was welll 
qualified to conduct enterprises and trading voyages, 
which he willingly performed for the benefit of the 1 
company. He undertook excursions of traffic to 
Penobscot, Kennebeck, and Connecticut rivers. In . 
1635, he accepted another mission to England, jointly I 
for the colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts. The 
subjects requiring this agency were the infringements 
made on the New England territories, by the French ' 
on the east, and the Dutch on the west, and also to 
answer complaints, which had been made to the gov- 
ernment against the Massachusetts colony, by Thomas ; 
Moiton, that miscreant who for his turbulent conduct , 
at Mount Walliston, had been twice expelled the coun- 
try. For a particular detail relative to the execution 
of this mission the reader is referred to the Ecclesias- ^ 
tical History in this volume. 

When Mr. Winslow returned to Plymouth, 1636, 
he was cordially received, and elected to the office of \ 
governor, but the year following took his place among ; 
the magistrates. In 1643, the New England colonies • 
united into a confederacy for mutual defence, when Mr. 
Winslow was chosen one of the commissioners in be- 
half of Plymouth, and was continued in that office three 
years, when, 1646, he was persuaded to undertake 
another embassy to England, to answer to the com- 
plaints of Samuel Gorton and others, who had charged 
the colonists with religious intolerance and persecution. 
At this period the puritan interest in England was pre- 
dominant, and governor Winslow being held in high 
estimation for his excellencies, by those in power, he 
was enabled to accomplish the object in view to uni- 
versal satisfaction. He was now in great favor with 
Oliver Cromwell, and was invited to accept of employ- 
ment in his service. In 1654, he was appointed one 
of the commissioners to determine the value of the 



1655] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 109 

English ships seized and detained by the king of Den- 
mark. This commission is now deposited in the li- 
brary of the Pilgrim Society, presented by Mr. Pelham 
Winslow, of Boston. It is on a large square vellum, 
having the representation of the protector included in 
the first letter. The last public service of governor 
Winslow was in 1<>55, when he was appointed by 
Cromwell one of three commissioners to superintend 
the operation^ of the fleet and army sent to the West 
Indies under admiral Penn and general Venables, 
where he fell a sacrifice to the diseases of the climate 
on the 8th of May, 1655, aged 61. His body was 
committed to the deep with the honors of war, forty- 
two guns being fired on the solemn occasion. . 

The New England Memorial, and whole early his- 
tory of our country, bear testimony to the energy, ac- 
tivity, and well-directed exertions of governor Winslow, 
His efforts in behalf of the Indians illustrate his be- 
nevolence and piety. The society for propagating the 
gospel among the American Indians was formed prin- 
cipally under his influence at London, and it continued 
under the name of the London Society till the Ameri- 
can revolution. His Good News fiom New England is 
a very rare work. The Massachusetts Historical Socie- 
ty has not been able to procure a copy of it; an abbre- 
viation of it is in Purchase's Pilgrims, and is republished 
in the eighth volume of Collections. His account of 
the natives of New England, annexed to that tract, is 
inserted entire in the appendix to Belknap's Biography, 
volume second. 

Governor Winslow's settlement in this country was 
at Marshfield, county of Plynjouth, where he had a 
valuable tract of land. To this residence he gave the 
name of Careswell, from a castle and seat of that name 
in StrafFordshire in England, as Dr. Belknap con- 
jectures. The peat continued in the Winslow family 
till within the last few )/»nirs. It will be conceded 
that (ew among the excellent christian puritans sus- 
10 



110 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1655 • 

tained a higher character for genuine patriotism, chris- 
tian benevolence and generous sympathy than the sub- 
ject of this memoir. When the celebrated Roger Wil- 
liams had by his eccentricities deprived himself of the 
favorable regard of his cotemporaries, and was re- 
duced to a state of indigence, governor Winslow ex- 
tended the hand of charity towards him, by kind ad- 
vice and pecuniary aid. ' It pleased the Father of 
mercies,' said Mr. Williams, ' to touch many hearts 
with relentings, among whom that great and precious 
soul, Mr. Winslow, melted, and kindly visited me at 
Providence, and put a piece of gold into the hands of 
my wife, for our supply.' 

'In New England,' says Dr. Holmes, (Annals,) 'his 
name will never be forgotten. His portrait is an excel- 
lent painting, the eye is black and expressive, and the 
whole countenance very interesting. The portrait is 
taken with whiskers. Josiah, son of Edward, is drawn 
without them. Beards were left off early in New Eng- 
land, and about the same time they were in the Old.' 

A chair made of Old England oak was screwed to 
the floor of the cabin of the Mayflower, and belonged 
to the Winslow family. It was known to have been 
in the possession of Penelope Winslow, who married 
James Warren. This article of antiquity is now in the 
possession of Miss Hannah White of this town, who 
is a direct descendant of Peregrine White. The 
Winslows bequeathed their real estate to their sons, and 
personal to their daughters, many of whom were from 
poverty obliged to dispose of valuable articles out of the 
family, as diamond rings, silver salvers, silver skillets, and 
other articles of plate. Edward Winslow had four 
brothers, John, Kenelm, Gilbert, and Josiah, and three 
sisters, Eleanor, Elizabeth, and Maydelon. Gilbert ac- 
companied his brother, in the Mayflower, 1620. John 
came the next year in the Fortune. John Winslow 
removed to Boston. Josiah, also, the youngest brother, 
came into this country. One of the brothers settled 



1656] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. Ill 

at Rochester, one at Cape Cod, and another at Ports- 
mouth, N. H. , , . 

1656.— This year, it was ordered that card playing 
should be punished by a fine of fifty shillings. Servants 
or children, playing at cards, dice, or other unlawful 
games, for the first offence to be corrected by their 
parents or master ; for the second, to be publicly 
whipped. A law was passed by which a magistrate, 
at his discretion, was authorized to inflict corporal pun- 
ishment on all who denied the Scriptures to be a rule 

Vilifying any church or ordinance, was punished by 
' a fine of ten shihings. 

Profaning the Lord's day, by a fine of ten shillings, 
or a public whipping. Neglecting to attend public wor^ 
ship on each Lord's day, by a fine of ten shillings. 

1656. — We have now to notice the lamented death 
of that hero of the Pilgrims, Captain Miles Standish. 
He died at his residence in Duxbury, this year, at a 
very advanced age. Captain Standish was one of 
the'^companions of Carver, Bradford and Winslow, in 
the Mayflower, and shared in all the perils and priva- 
tions to which they were subjected. He was one of 
the first settlers of Duxbury, but resided occasionally 
at Plymouth, especially in the winter'months, and was 
the principal officer of the garrison at that place. 

In 1645, when warhke movements were commenced 
against the Narragansets, Standish commanded the Ply- 
mouth troops. In 1653, when hostilities with the Dutch 
at Manhattan were apprehended, a council of war was 
appointed in Plymouth colony, of which Standish was 
one. Warrants were issued for the impressment of 60 
men, and Standish was appointed to command them. 
It thus appears that he continued active in military em- 
ployments, on every necessary occasion, until whhin 
three years of his death. He was frequently one of 
the board of assistants. After the loss of his wife in 
1620-1, he soon married again. 'In the assignment 



112 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [16^56<j 

of lands in 1623, the name of Mrs. Standish is on the^ 
list ; we know not the previous name of the lady, but 
it appears she came in the ship Ann. In 1627, when 
the catde were divided, he stands at the head of the 
third lot, with his wife Barbara.' Charles, Alexander, 
and John, his children, are associated with him in that 
assignment. Alexander married Sarah Alden, dauoh- 
ter of John Alden. Dr. Belknap informs us that Dr. 
Wheelock, President of Dartmouth College, and the 
lather of Dr. Kirkland, President of Harvard College, 
are descended from him. In the cabinet of the Mas- 
sachusetts Historical Society are exhibited the swords 
of Standish, Carver and Brewster. The possession 
would be more precious, if their identity were more 
satisfactorily ascertained.' (The identical sword of 
Capt. Standish is now in the cabinet of the Pilgrim So- 
ciety, substantiated by unquestionable authority.) The 
Rev. T. Alden, Jr. in his collection of Epitaphs, gives 
an amusing traditionary anecdote relative to the connu- 
bial pursuits of Capt. Standish, and his friend John 
Alden. The lady who had gained the affections of 
the Captain, is said to have been Priscilla Mullens, 
daughter of William Mullens. John Alden was sent 
to make proposals in behalf of Standish. The mes- 
senger, though a pilgrim, was young and comely, and 
the lady, with perfect naivete, expressed her preference 
by the question, Prithee, John, why do you not speak 
for yourself^ The Captain's hopes were blasted, and 
the frank overture soon ended in the marriage of John 
Alden and Priscilla Mullens, from whom, we are in- 
formed, are descended all of the name of Alden in the 
United States. The Captain, it is added, never forgave 
his friend Alden to the day of his death. As he was 
so soon afterwards united to another lady of his choice, 
we may hope that the account of the inveterate resent- 
ment is exaggerated. Tlieir long connexion together 
at the board of assistants, their settlement in the same 
neighborhood, and their family connexion by the inter-* 



1657] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 113 

marriage of their children, lead us to presume that they 
lived in habits of friendship. This anecdote has often 
been repeated in the Old Colony, in fire-side chat 
about the pilgrinas, but with circumstances which would 
refer the incident to a later period. — Memorial Ap- 
pendix. 

Dr. Belknap gives us many respectable names of 
the honorable house from which Miles Standish descend- 
ed, beginning with Henry Standish, D. D. Bishop of 
St. Asaph, in the reign of Henry VIII. In the ac- 
count of Duxbury, (Historical Collections, vol. ii.) the 
name of the town is supposed to have been assumed 
by its first settlers, in allusion to iheir captain or leader. 
This appears questionable. The compliment would 
have been merited, but it is doubtful whether among 
such a people it would have been proposed or admitted. 
In ' Ancient Vestiges,^ the manuscript in the note, p. 
226 (Memorial) there is this remark ; ' So late as 1707, 
I find that Sir Thomas Standish lived at Duxbury, the 
name of the family seat in Lancashire.' 

Captain Standish, it is said, was of small stature, 
but of a fiery temper, and perhaps no man ever pos- 
sessed a more daring and intrepid spirit. The hill so 
conspicuous in the southeast part of the town of Dux- 
bury, is called Captain's Hill or Mount, as it makes 
apart of the farm which was Captain Standish's. 

1657.-On the 9th of March, William Bradford, gov- 
ernor of the colony, was called to join the congregation 
of the dead in the sixty-ninth year of his age. This 
bereavement was peculiarly afflictive to the pilgrims, 
for he w^as one who had shared largely in their perils, 
their griefs, and toils, and was revered as the prop and 
glory of the colony. He was born in England, in 
1588. Both his parents dying while he was in early 
youth, he was left to the protection of his grand-pa- 
rents, and after them to his uncles. His patrimony 
was large, but his station in life was amongst the yeo- 
manry, and he was bred to agriculture. The early loss 
10* 



114 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [165^7 

of his parents probably gave a serious cast to his mind, 
and he devoted all his leisure time to the reading of 
the scriptures ; and notwithstanding the opposition and 
angry remonstrances of all his relations, this inexperi- 
enced youth embraced the doctrines which were taught 
by the venerable Clifton, and afterwards by Robinson, 
and became one of their most devoted followers. He 
was a zealous advocate for the removal of tlie company 
to America, and was a passenger in the Mayflower. On 
their arrival at Cape Cod harbor, his wife unfortunately 
fell overboard, and was drowned in his absence. On 
the death of governor Carver, although only thirty-two 
years old, and confined at the time by sickness, he was 
unanimously elected his successor, as governor of the 
colony. He conducted the affairs of the colony, for 
the greater part of the time, as chief, and two or three 
years as second magistrate, with consummate prudence 
and ability, for a period of more than thirty-one years. 
' In the transactions with the Indians, he was strictly 
just ; and after those unavoidable sparklings which the 
neighborhood of two races of men, like the collision of 
flint and steel, are sure to strike out at first, the ani- 
mosities which vicinage engendered were allayed, and 
he preserved the relations of peace unbroken. His 
mingled system of mildness and energy conciliated their 
affections, and extorted their respect. When neces- 
sary, he alarmed their fears. When the emblematic 
defiance of the Sachem of the Narragansetts was 
conveyed in the shape of a bundle of arrows, bound 
together by the skin of a serpent, he answered it 
promptly, by sending back the skin filled with pow- 
der and bullets.' — (See page 49 of this vol.) He 
soon understood all the peculiarities of their simple 
characters. His sagacity in detecting, and his energy 
in overcoming, the designs of the factionists, were on 
every occasion most happily displayed. He was, at 
an early period, aware of the danger of supplying 
the Indians with fire-arms, and warned his countrymen 



1657] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 115 

igainst putting such formidable instruments into their 
lands. The natives, he observed, were well provided 
.vith muskets, powder and shot, and were so well skilled 
n their use as even to keep the English in awe, and 
^ive the law to them when they pleased. They have 
iints, screw plates and moulds for shot, and can mend 
and new stock their pieces almost as w^ell as English- 
nien. Thus like madmen, we put them in the way to 
kill us with our own weapons. They know their ad- 
vantage so well, they scruple not to say that they can 
vvhen they please drive the English away or kill them. 
It is to be observed that the natives were supplied 
with arms and ammunition chiefly by the people of the 
Massachusetts colony. Although governor Bradford's 
early pursuits were unfavorable to the cultivation of 
learning, yet he applied himself with great diligence to 
.the study of the ancient languages, both Greek and 
JLatin. Of the Hebrew his knowledge was intimate, 
land the French and Dutch he spoke with ease. He 
read much on subjects of history and philosophy. 
In theology he was deeply versed, and few there were 
who could contend with him successfully in a polemical 
dispute. He wrote considerably ; the loss of his valua- 
ble manuscript history of the colony to 1646 can never 
be supplied. As chief magistrate, he was compelled 
to deal with many turbulent spirits, yet he seldom 
failed to enforce respect both to the laws and the mag- 
istrates, rather by appealing to the sense of shame and 
fear of self-degradation, than by the exercise of the 
penal authority of the government. His faith endured 
to the last, and he died full of hope ; conversing with 
his friends on the day of his death, he spoke with the 
cheerfulness of a saint. God, said he, has given me a 
pledge of my happiness in another world, and the first 
fruits of eternal glory. ' Governor Bradford,' says 
Dr. Cotton Mather, ' died lamented by all the colonists 
of New England, as a common father of them all.' 
On the 14th August, 1624, governor Bradford was 





le' 



116 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [I65f 

married to Mrs. Alice Southworth, a lady of extraoi) 
dinary capacity and worth. There was an early a'o 
tachment, it is said, between governor Bradford am 
Mrs. Southworth, and their marriage was preventetlgs 
by her parents on account of the inferior circumstance^ '0 
or rank of Mr. Bradford. Being now a widower, 
by letters to England made overtures of marriage 
Mrs. Southworth, who was then a widow. The pro 
posal was accepted, and with generous resolution sUhfi. 
embarked in the ship Ann, in 1623, to meet her inr ^ 
tended partner, who, she well knew, could not leav- 
his responsible station in the infant settlement. He 
two sons, Thomas and Constant Southworth, came ove 
with her. This lady was well educated and brough 
considerable property into the country. She died ii 
1G70, aged 80 years, and was honorably interred oi 
the 29th March, at New Plymouth. It is said in the 
old colony records, * She was a godly matron, anC' 
much loved while she lived, and lamented, though aged 
when she died.' Mrs. Bradford was highly eulogizec 
by Elder Faunce, for her exertions in promoting the 
literary improvement and the deportment of the rising 
generation, according to accounts he had received fronr 
some of her cotemporaries. Governor Bradford waaj? 
without doubt interred on our burial hill, but the anti-i 
quarian who visits the place must be impressed with 
melancholy regiet, that the remains of one so e,nU 
nently meritorious as was this excellent man, should 
be suffered to moulder in the dust without a monu- 
mental stone to designate the spot. There is at each 
of the graves of the two sons, an ordinary stone, buti 
the grave of the illustrious sire is level with the earth,, 
and known only by tradition. Even at this remote 
period, it would be honorable and a blessing to pos- 
terity, could a suitable monument be erected, thati 
future inquiring antiquarians might know where tO) 
resort to lean over the remains and meditate on the: 
virtues and glorious deeds, of one of the principal! 



^ l657] 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 117 



I'^ bunders of our empire. Greatly should we rejoice to 
/ 566 the venerated name, which has for two centuries 
' ^ ieen veiled in temporary oblivion, brought forth to 
^^^ bamortal memory by a grateful posterity. We have 
^"•^ Sttle doubt but this desirable object might be effected, 
^' tvere a subscription to be put In circulation for that 
:^ i)urpose. The family bible of governor Bradford is still 
P" !n existence. It is in the possession of Mr. Asa Wa- 
;' iers, of Stoughton, who exhibited it in this town in 
''Dctober, 1831. The bible was printed in the year 
•^ 1592, and it contains a written hst of the names of the 
^^ family of Elisha Bradford, who was the grandson of 
''governor William Bradford. That this ancient and 
'•' honorable family may be traced In all its branches to 
^'the present generation, the following genealogical 
^ detail is here recorded. 

Governor Bradford had one son by his first wife, 
whose name was John. He was deputy from Dux- 
bury In 1652, and from Marshfield in 1653; after 
which he is frequently mentioned in the Plymouth re- 
^f cords as selectman, and on various committees ; and 
in 1690, he was deputy to the general court from Ply- 
mouth. By his second wife, he had three children, 
William,, Mercy, and Joseph. Mercy married Ben- 
jamin Vermage, mentioned in the Appendix to govern- 
or Winthrop's History, vol. II. p. 372. William Brad- 
ford, son of the governor, obtained high distinction in 
i(|the colony, being elected an assistant soon after the 
decease of his father, and chief military commander. 
He had the title of Major, and was an officer in Phil- 
ip's war. He married for his first wife, Alice Rich- 
ards, by whom he had four sons, John, William, Tho- 
mas, and Samuel. Thomas moved to Connecticut ; 
Samuel settled at Duxbury, from whom the Bradfords 
in that place descended. William Bradford's second 
wife was the widow WIswall, by whom he had one 
son, Joseph, who moved to Connecticut. His third 
wife was Mrs. Mary Holmes, widow of the Rev. John 



118 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [165 



! 



Holmes, the second minister of Duxbury, by whon 
he had four sons, Israel, Ephraim, David, and Heze 
kiah. When the colonial government terminated ii 
1692, Major Bradford was deputy governor, and aff 
terwards was chosen counsellor of Massachusetts. Hef 
died February 20th, 1703, aged seventy-nine years. In 
his will, dated Jan. 29th, 1703, he provides for nimj 
sons and six daughters, by which it appears that he hac' 
fifteen children — a noble bequest to the new territory 
The late aged Ebenezer Cobb,* of Kingston, remem- 
bered the funeral of deputy governor Bradford. The 
public road being obstructed by a deep snow, the 
corpse was brought from the family residence near' 
Jones's river, along the sea-shore, it being the express' 
desire of the deceased to be buried near the body ol 
his father. His tombstone indicates the spot where 
the governor was probably interred : the father lying 
on the east side of the son, while the other son, Jo- 
seph, lies in another row northerly. 

The governor's son Joseph lived near Jones's riv- 
er, had a son named Elisha, who had several children. 
He died July 10th, 1715, in the eighty-fifth year of 
his age, and was buried on the Burial-hill at Plymouth. 
Major John Bradford, son of Major William, married 
Mercy Warren, daughter of Joseph Warren. Their 
children were John, Alice, Abigail, Mercy, Samuel, 
Priscilla, and William. He died December 8th, 
1736, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. Mercy, 
his widow, died 1747, in her ninety-fourth year. 
Lieut. Samuel Bradford, son of the aforesaid Major r 
John Bradford, married Sarah Gray, daughter of Ed- 
ward Gray, of Tiverton, Rhode Island, and grand- 
daughter of Edward Gray of Plymouth. Their issue '| 
were John, Gideon, William, who died young, Mary, ,jF 
Sarah, William, Mercy, who died young, Abigail, '^ 



* Mr. Ebenezer Cobb was an inhabitant of Kingston, and died 
December 8th, 1801, aged 107 years, eight months, and six days. 



v657] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 119 

?hebe, and Samuel. The aforesaid Lieut. Samuel 
Bradford, lived and died in Plympton, 1740, aged fif- 
y-six years. His widow married William Hunt, of 
Vlartha's Vineyard, and died in 1770. The Hon. 
>Villiam Bradford, late of Bristol, Rhode Island, was 
L son of the above Samuel Bradford. He was born 
it Plympton, Nov. 4th, 1729, and died in July, 1808. 
ie was deputy governor of Rhode Island, speaker of 
he house of representatives, and member of congress. 
^is residence was near the celebrated Mount Hope, 
md the story of King Philip, the aboriginal proprietor, 
vas familiar to his mind. His descendants are nume- 
•ous. Gideon Bradford, son of the above Lieut. Sam- 
lel Bradford, married Jane Paddock, and nad issue, 
Levi, Joseph, Sarah, Samuel, Gideon, Calvin, and 
fenney. He died in Plympton, 1793, in his seventy- 
ifth year. Levi, son of the above Gideon, married 
Elizabeth Lewis. Their children were Lewis, Jo- 
seph, Levi, Daniel, Ezra, Elizabeth, and Sarah. He 
lied in Homer, N. Y. 1812, aged seventy-nine years. 

Colonel Gamaliel Bradford descended from the first 
Samuel. He lived at Duxbury, and commanded a 
-egiment of continental troops during the revolutionary 
ivar. His son Gamaliel, entered the American army 
when a youth, and was an officer at the close of the 
war. He possessed a patriotic spirit and a noble 
mind, and was distinguished in various pursuits in pri- 
vate hfe. Another son of Gamaliel is the present Al- 
den Bradford, for several years secretary of our com- 
monwealth, and the author of a valuable history of 
Massachusetts, and the president of the Pilgrim So- 
ciety. 

While destitute of horses, it was not uncommon for 
people to ride on bulls ; and there is a tradition that 
when John Alden went to Cape Cod to be married to 
Priscilla Mullens, he covered his bull with a handsome 
piece of broadcloth, and rode on his back. On his 
return, he seated the bride on the bull, and led the 
animal by a rope fixed in the nose ring. 



120 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1657 

The first notice of horses on record is in 1644, when 
a mare belonging to the estate of Stephen Hopkins was 
appraised at £6 sterling. In 1647, in the inventory 
of Thomas Biise, a colt was appraised at £4 sterling. 
In 1647, in Joseph Holliway's inventory one mare and 
a year old colt were appraised at £ 14. In June, 1 657, 
the colony court passed an act that every freeholder 
that kept three mares, and would keep one horse for 
military service, should be freed from all military ser- 
vice, training and watching. 

In 1665 the colony court made a present of a horse 
to King Philip. It would gratify curiosity to know in 
what manner King Philip, and the natives in general 
were affected by the first sight of horses and cows; 
their minds must have been overwhelmed with astonish- 
ment to see men riding on horses and bulls. 

Trouble with the Quakers. This year was rendered 
memorable by an unhappy commotion and personal 
collision with a new sect of religionists, styled Quakers. 
This controversy would seem to have been engender- 
ed by a spirit of fanaticism, approaching to frenzy, 
on one part, and of pious zeal, allied to bigotry, on the 
other. Our puritan fathers having experienced the 
bitterness of intolerance and persecution from tyrants, 
were willing that a measure of the same spirit should 1 
be construed into the rights of conscience, and become 
a duty when exercised by themselves. That confiding 
temper in the purity of their own sentiments, and re- 
ligious ardor for the glory of God, could not brook the 
smallest deviation h-orn the course which they deemed 
strictly orthodox; and their jealous apprehensions of 
heresy led them, on some occasions, to acts inconsist- 
ent with their professed principles of Clu'istian liberty 
and charity. But palliating circumstances in the case 
must not be overlooked. In their religious and local 
concerns, the puritans, about this period, were reduced 
to a deplorable condition. Not a few of their society 
had manifested a coolness and indifference to the stated 



S657] HISTOKY OF PLYMOUTH. 121 

preaching of the gospel by qualified clergymen, prefer- 
ring to exercise their own personal gifts. An alarming 
defect of reverence and support of ministers was spread- 
ing through other towns in the colony, and schisms in 
churches were not unfrequent. No less than five dis- 
tinguished ministers in the colony were obliged to sep- 
arate from their societies for the want of support, and 
two others died, and all their places remained luisup- 
plied about the same time. Three other parishes were 
also destitute. It was at this critical juncture that the 
vexatious intrusion of the quakers occurred, to their 
great annoyance. Not only were their tenets at first 
deemed exceedingly obnoxious, and even blasphem- 
ous, but the demeanor of some individuals of the sect 
was audacious and provoking beyond endurance.— 
* When the quakers appeared in New England,' says 
Hon. Mr. Baylies, ' it was during their first efferves- 
cence ; the materials were still fermenting, and had not 
as yet worked off the scum and the dregs, which all 
new religious sects are sure to bring up.' 

It was ordered by the court, that in case any shall 
bring in any quaker, ranter, or other notorious here- 
tic, either by land or water, into any part of this gov- 
ernment, he shall forthwith, upon order of any one 
magistrate, return them to the place from whence they 
came, or clear the government of them, on the penal- 
ty of paying a fine of 205. for every week that they 
shall stay in the government, after warning. A more 
severe law was afterwards passed. ' It is therefore 
enacted by the court and authority thereof, that no 
quaker, or person commonly so called, be entertained 
,by any person or persons within this government, un- 
der penally of £5 for every such default, or be whi|»t.' 

On the Cth of October, 1657, Humphrey Norton, 
claiming to be a prophet, was summoned to appear at 
the court, and on examination found guilty (accord- 
ing to the court record) of divers horrid errors. He 
was sentenced speedily to depart the government, and 
11 



12^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [165T 

the under-marshal was required to take him into cus- 
tody, and to conduct him to Assonet, near Rhode Island. 

* The spirit of Norton was not subdued, and he return- 
ed again into the Plymouth jurisdiction, accompanied 
by one John Rouse. These quakers appeared at the 
court in June, 1658, and were apprehended and com- 
mitted to prison. AVhen they were examined before 
the court, Norton said sundry times to the governor, 

* Prince, thou lyest ; Thomas, thou art a malicious 
man.' The conduct of Rouse was equally turbulent. 
They were remanded, but in a short time were again 
brought before the court. Norton again abused the 
governor with much foul language, saying, ' Thy cla* 
morons tongue I regard no more than the dust under 
my feet ; and thou art like a scolding woman, and 
thou pralest and deridest me,' he. 

Norton and Rouse were severally required, that, ag> 
they professed themselves to be subjects to the state 
of England, they should take an oath of fidelity to be 
true to that state, which they refused to do, saying they 
would take no oath at all. On this refusal they were 
sentenced to a whipping. This punishment w^as inflict- 
ed, for which the under-marslial required a fee. They 
refused to pay, and were again committed to prison, 
where they remained until they compromised with the 
marshal, and left the jurisdiction.* 

Norton afterwards addressed the governor by let- 
ter in such language as, ' Thomas Prince, thou hast 
bent thy heart to work wickedness, and with thy tongue 
hast set forth deceit ; thou imaginest mischief upon thy 
bed, and hatchest thy hatred in thy secret chamber; 
the strength of darkness is over thee, and a malicious 
mouth hast thou opened against God and his anoint- 
ed, and with thy tongue and lips hast thou uttered 
perverse things ; thou hast slandered the innocent, by 

* In our times we should thiuk that puhlic whipping is a suffi- 
cient punishment, without obHging the culprit to pay the whipper's 
fee. 



i658] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 123 

railing, lying, and false accusations, and with- thy bar- 
barous heart hast thou caused their blood to be shed,' 
&c. Sic. — 'John Alden is to thee like unto a pack- 
horse, where upon thou layest thy beastly bag ; curs- 
ed are all they that have a hand therein ; the cry of 
vengeance will pursue thee day and night.' After 
continuing in this strain at great length, he closes thus, 
^ The anguish and pain that will enter thy veins will 
be like gnawing worms lodging betwixt thy heart and 
hver. When these things come upon thee, and thy 
back bowed down with pain, in that day and hour 
thou shalt know to thy grief that prophets of the Lord 
God we are, and the God of vengeance is our God.' 
Norton addressed a letter to John Alden, one of the 
assistants and a member of the court, couched in lan- 
guage equally abusive as the above. 

If the primitive government of Plymouth rendered 
itself censurable for the rigor of its laws, and the cruel- 
ty of the punishments inflicted on the quakers, their 
posterity have the consoling reflection, that among the 
honorable society of quakers at the present day, no 
one can be found that would give countenance to such 
outrageous conduct as that of Norton and Rouse ; so 
on the other hand, may we safely vouch, that none 
among the descendants of the puritan fathers will pre- 
tend to find a justification of the harsh measures prose- 
cuted against them. Most happy is the day, when 
these opposing sects are harmoniously united in chris- 
tian charity, and in brotherly love ; the quakers distin- 
guished for benevolence, purity of morals, and peace- 
ful demeanor, their friends for erudhion, liberahty of 
sentiment and christian knowledge and philanthropy. 
But the reader has not yet learnt the whole history of 
the quaker controversy. 

Several other disfranchising laws were passed by 

' the Plymouth general court against these people. On 

the 8th of May, 1659, five men and one woman were 

jsentenced, according to a previous order of court, to 



^^"^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTK. (1659^ 

banishment, to depart out of the jurisdiction by the 
8th day of June, on pain of death ; delaying, they were 
to be imprisoned, tried, and if found guilty of the 
breach of this law, were to be put to death. The fol- 
lowing judicious observations are cited from Hon. F. 
Baylies, vol. ii. p. 38. ' The quakers who first appear- 
ed in the colony of Plymouth were not inhabitants, 
but came from abroad. Although they professed the 
principles of peace and benevolence, yet tbey waged 
a furious war against a religion which was much en- 
deared to the people whom they were endeavoring to 
proselyte ; for which that people had suffered much, 
and were 'impressed with a strong conviction of its 
truth.' 

Their laws, their government, their forms of wor- 
ship, all which they had been taught to venerate, and 
accustomed to love, were denounced in no very civil 
terms by strangers. Their magistrates and ministers 
were reviled in terms of insolent abuse ; it is not sur- 
prising, therefore, that they should have attempted to 
check (what appeared to them to be) blasphemy and 
impiety. Although these new expounders of "scrip- 
ture styled themselves the prophets of God, yet it was 
not an unnatural or strange belief, in that day, that 
they should have been regarded as men 'possess- 
ed with demons.' ' To check their disorders, ban- 
ishment was deemed the mildest punishment. Nor- 
ton was sent beyond thesetdements, hut on the next 
year he returned, in defiance of the government. 
It is not unlikely that the deportment of governor 
Prince to Norton was domineering and arrogant, for 
he detested schismatics, and hated those who des- 
pised and derided ' human learning.' Yet one far 
more indulgent than the governor, in the same station, 
must have been possessed of uncommon self-command, 
if he could have tolerated personal insults, and tamely 
have suftered himself to have been called a ' liar ' and 
' a malicious man,' while in the very exercise of bis U^h 



1660] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 125 

authority on the judgment seat, and presiding in the 
court. Even in these times, under the system of tol- 
eration, and with a mitigated penal code, ' contempt of 
court ' is deemed a high offence, and is punished ac- 
cordingly. Still it is best that the hand of power 
should fall gently on all those who pretend, (even if 
it be nothing but pretence,) to act under the impulse 
of religious feeling. The errors of honest and sincere 
zealots are to be excused, not punished, unless the or- 
der and peace of society are disturbed to such a de- 
gree that the restraint of the offender becomes an act 
of necessity.' 

During this high excitement in the colony, and still 
greater in that of Massachusetts, Mr. Cudworth, Mr. 
AUerton, and some others, appeared in opposition to 
the measures pursued against the quakers, in conse- 
quence of which they became so unpopular that they 
were left out of their offices of magistrates. At length, 
the court w^ere disposed to try the effect of a more 
conciliatory treatment. For the purpose of bringing 
the quakers to a sense of their mistakes, the laws were 
so far relaxed as to permit certain persons to attend 
their meetings, ' to endeavor to reduce them from the 
error of their ways ;' this permission was given to 
Isaac Robinson, the son of the celebrated Leyden 
pastor, and three others. * But,' says Mr. Baylies, 
' the government were not aware of their danger. The 
fanaticism of a new sect is always an overmatch, for 
that which has been cooled and tempered by time.' 
Isaac Robinson, an excellent and sensible man, who 
had received the permission of the court to attend 
these meetings, instead of convincing the quakers of 
their errors, became self-convicted, embraced many of 
their doctrines, and consequently rendered himself so 
obnoxious, that he was dismissed from civil employ- 
ment, and exposed to much censure and some indig- 
nity. 

- Id 1660, the alarm not having entirely subsided, 
11^ 



120 HISTORY OF PLYMOTJTH* [1658 

the court of Plymouth were induced to pass additional 
laws to stem the torrent of quakerism. All persons 
were now authorized to apprehend such quakers^ 
and to deliver them to the constables, that they might 
be carried before the governor or some magistrate. 
And to prevent their speedy passage from place to 
place, to ' poison the inhabitants with their cursed 
tenets,' all persons were prohibited from supplying 
them with horses, on pain of forfeiture, and their own 
horses were also made liable to forfeiture. 

It was also enacted, that any one that shall bring in 
any quaker or ranter, by land or water into this gov- 
ernment, viz. by being a guide to them or any other 
wise, shall be fined, to the use of the government, the 
sum of £10 for every default. 'If the quakers or 
such like vagabonds shall come into any town of this 
government, the marshal or constable shall apprehend 
him or them, and upon examination so appearing, he 
shall whip them, or cause them to be whipped with 
rods, so it exceed not fifteen stripes. It was also 
enacted that all persons permitting the quakers to hold 
meetings in their houses, on conviction before the gen- 
eral court, should be publicly whipped, or pay £5. 

But I am exceeding my intended limits on this 
theme; and however interesting may be the sequel, I 
shall only add that ' in a few years there appeared a 
revulsion in the popular feeling, and Mr. Cudworth, Mr. 
Brown, and Isaac Robinson were restored to favor.' 

The tra2;edy at Boston produced a deep sympathy 
for the sufferers, and when it was seen that the 
quakers could die for their faith, the people could not 
resist the belief that they were sincere.* 

* In July, 1656, Mary Fisher and Ann Austin, both of the de- 
nomination of quakers, arrived at Boston, from Barbadocs, and 
about a month afterwards eight more came into that colony from 
Rhode Island. 

The first quakers who appeared in New England, arrived in Ju- 
ly. The general court of Massachusetts considered them alike 
hostile to civil and to ecclesiastical order, passed sentence of ban - 



1658] 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 127 



August 2\st, 1658.— -Died William Paddy, aged 58 
years. 

Mr. Paddy for several years was elected deputy to 
the general court for Plymouth, and was also a deacon 
of the church, and possessed considerable wealth. He 
sustained an irreproachable character, was devoted to 
the best interests of the colony, and was useful in both 
church and state. He removed to Boston in 1651. 
He had two sons born in Plymouth, Thomas and 
Samuel, but the name appears to be now extinct.* 

It was this year ordered that profaning the Lord's 
day by travelling, carrying burdens, &ic. be fined twenty 
shillings, or set in the stocks four hours. 

M. B. having been sentenced for telling a lie, the court 
having examined particulars, have cleared her, but 
desired Mr. Hatherly, from the court to admonish her 
to be wary of giving offence to others by unnceces- 
sary talking. J. W. to be sharply reproved for wri- 
ting a note on common business on Lord's day. E. H. 
for telling a lie, and R. J. for neglecting public wor- 
ship, fined ten shillings each. 

The court appointed Josiah Winslow and Constant 
Southworth, with the treasurer, to agree with workmen 

isliment en twelve persons of that sect, the whole number then in 
the colony. The most san^ruinary laws were passed against the 
sect by the ]Massachusetts general court, which may be found in 
Hutchinson, Hubbard, and Hazard. In 1659, two men and one 
woman were tried before the £;eneral court of Massachusetts, and 
sentenced to die. The two men Avere executed, and the woman, 
Mary Dyer, was reprieved, on condition of her departure from the 
jurisdiction in forty-eight hours; and if she returned, to suffer the 
sentence. She was carried, however, to the gallows; and stood 
with a rope about her neck until the others were executed. This 
infatuated woman returned, and was executed in 1660. Many of 
these deluded people actually courted persecution. 

* A singular incident occurred at Boston in the summer of 1830. 
Some workmen employed in removing the earth from the north 
side of the Old State House, dug up a tombstone, considerable bro- 
ken, on one side of which was the following inscription : 

' Here lyeth the body of Mr. William Paddy. Departed this life 
August 1658.* From the records it appears that he was one of the 
selectmen of Boston at the time of his death. 



128 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1661 

to erect a house of correction, to be added to the pri- 
son, fourteen feet in length, with a chimney to it. 

1660. — The council of war ordered, that during any 
appearance of danger, a mihtary watch be kept in each 
town in the most convenient places for giving an alarm, 
and also to watch the sea coast and observe the motions 
of any ships that may appear. The firing of three 
muskets shall make an alarm in the night, and fires to 
be made where the alarm is given. The Dutch and 
French to be considered as common enemies. The 
following instance of marriage may perhaps be ascribed 
to quaker influence. R. W. and M. C. for marrying 
disorderly, and without parents' consent, one sentenced 
to pay £10 fine, and imprisoned during pleasure of 
court ; and being desirous of being orderly married, 
were accordingly, this 9th of March, 1660. E. M. 
for accompanying and countenancing the above men- 
tioned persons, fined twenty shillings. R. B. sum- 
moned to appear to answer for speaking contemptu- 
ously of singing psalms, and was convicted of the fact, 
and promised that he would be warned of so doing for 
the future. The court sharply admonished him, and 
that he should acknowledge his fault, which he engaged 
to do, and was discharged. 

1661. — At the court which assembled in June, a 
loyal declaration was made in favor of King Charles II. 
who had been restored to the throne of his ancestors. 

R. Smith for lying concerning seeing a whale and 
other things, fined twenty shillings. A. Bessey for her 
cruel and unnatural practice towards her father-in-law, 
G. Barlow, in chopping of him in the back, fined 
twenty shillings, or to be whipped. 

D. B. and M. B. for the like towards their said 
father-in-law, not in so high degree, both sentenced to 
sit in the stocks during the pleasure of court, which 
was performed. / 

The colony during this year sold, for £400 ster- 
ling, their lands on Kennebec river, to Antipas Boyes, 



1662] HISTORY OP PLYMOUTH. 129 

Edward Tyng, Thomas Brattle, and John Winslow, 
and they originated the celebrated Plyniouth company. 

£60 was assessed for purchasing a place for the 
minister at Plymouth. 

1662. — S. H. for carrying a grist of corn from mill 
lOn Sunday, fined 20 shillings, or to be whipped. 

W. F. for suffering him to take it from the milj^ 
fined 10 shillings. 

William Randall for telling a lie, fined 10 shillings. 

Clark's island was now abandoned, and not improv- 
ed by any one. 

Town expenses, £25. 55. Sd. Ten pounds was 
assessed to procure bellows and tools for a smith, for 
the use of the town. 

Philip, sachem of Pokanoket, made his appearance 
at the court of Plymouth, and solicited the continu- 
ance of the amity and friendship which had subsisted 
between the governor of Plymouth and his father 
(Massasoit) and brother. To that end he desired, for 
himself and his successors, that they might forever re- 
main subject to the king of England, his heirs and 
successors ; and promised that he and his would truly 
and exactly observe and keep inviolable such condi- 
tions as had, formerly been made by his predecessors ; 
and particularly that he would not, at any time, need- 
lessly or unjustly provoke or raise war with any of the 
natives ; nor give, sell, or dispose of any lands to 
strangers, or to any others without their privity or ap- 
pointment ; but would in all things endeavor to live 
peaceably and inoffensively towards the English. The 
court expressed their willingness to continue the 
friendship ; and promised to afi?brd the Indians such 
friendly assistance by advice and otherwise, as they 
justly might, and to require their own people at all 
times to maintain a friendly conduct towards them. 
The original name of Philip was Matacomet. Mather 
says, it was at this time that he desired an English 
pame, and that the court named him Philip. Judge 



130 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1663 

Davis savs, * After tlie death of Massasoil, about the 
year 1656. his two sons, AVainsutta and Metacomet, 
came to the court at Plymouth, and professing ^reat 
respect, requested English names might be given them. 
Wamsutta, the eldest brother, was thereupon named 
Alexander : tlie youngest, Metacomet, was called Phi- 
lip.' — ^'ote on .^lorton. The agreement in court was 
soon alter the death of Alexander. — Holmes' Annals * 

1663. — Mr. John Brown, who had frequently been 
an assistant in the government, having been elected in 
1636, and continued by successive elections to 1656, 
died this year at his residence in Rehoboth. He was 
also one of the Commissioners of the United Colonies 
from 1644 to 1655. James Brown, who was chosen 
an assistant in 1665. and lived at Swansey, was his 
son. 

* We find tlie same remark made respecting ^Ir. 
Brown as of Mr. Winslow and Captain Srandish. that, 
while on their travels, they became casually acquaint- 
ed with the refugees at Leyden, and were so attached 
to them, on acquaintance, as to unite themselves to 
their society. A connexion thus formed and continu- 
ed through so many difficulties, is alike honorable to 
all parties ; we are led to infer, that there was some- 
thing prepossessing in the deportment of the pilgrims, 
interesting and congenial to generous minds.' 

Jan. '26. — There was a tremendous earthquake in 
the northern pans of America. It was felt throughout 
New Endand. — See Juds:e Davis's note on ^Morton, 
p. -259. -294. 

This year the ministerial house was built in Ply- 
mouth; and £60 voted to finish it. Half the payment 
in tar and corn ; the tar to be twelve pence in the 
barrel cheaper than at Boston ; the other half in 

* Some very interestinsj particulars respecting the subsequent 
conduct of these two Indians, and the origin of the memorable 
contest, denominated Philip's war, may be found in Judge David's 
pote in the Memorial, p. 2S7. 



16G5] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 131 

svheat, barley, pease, butter, or money. This parson- 
age bouse was erected on the north side of First street, 
(Leyden street) just below the present precinct house, 
but not on the same lot. The houses belongin'^ to 
Barnabas Churchill's heirs, and to Le Baron's heirs, 
now occupy the place. The lot on which stands the 
present precinct mansion house, was dven to the 
First Church of Christ in Plymouth, by Bridget Fuller 
and Samuel Fuller, the worthy widow and son of Dr. 
Samuel Fuller. 

In 1664, king Charles II. issued a commission 
empowering Col. Richard Nicolls. Sir Robert Carr, 
George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esquires, 
* to hear and determine complaints and appeals in all 
cases, as well military" as criminal and civil.' within 
New England, and to proceed in all things for settling 
the peace and security of the countr}. His majesty 
caused letters to be addressed to the government of 
IS'ew Plymouth, in which are many expressions of 
royal grace and favor, promising to preserve all their 
liberties and privileges, both ecclesiastical and civil, 
without the least violation ; and enjoinins loyalty, af- 
fection and obedience on the part of his New England 
subjects. 

Thomas Willet was chosen to confer with the com- 
missioners hi behalf of the Plymouth colony, making 
respectful jirofessions of fidelity and allegiance. 

The following are the propositions made by bis 
majesty's commissioners to the general court of (New 
Plymouth) held at Plymouth, for the jurisdiction of 
New Plymouth, the twenty-second of February, Ann. 
iDom. 1665. 

1. That all householders inhabiting in the colony 
take the oath of allegiance, and the administration of 
justice be in his majesty's name. 

2. That all men of competent estates and civil con- 
versation, though of different judgments, may be ad- 
mitted to be freemen, and have liberty to choose and 
to be chosen officers, both civil and military. 



132 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l665 

3. That all men and women of orthodox opinions, 
competent knowledge, and civil lives, (not scandalous,) 
may be admitted to the sacrament of the Lord's sup- 
per, and their children to baptism, if they desire it ; 
either by admitting them into the congregations al- 
ready gathered, or permitting them to gather them- 
selves into such congregations, where they may have 
the benefit of the sacraments. 

4. That all laws and expressions in laws, derogato- 
ry to his majesty, if any such have been made in these 
late troublesome times, may be repealed, ahered, or 
taken off from the file. 

The Courfs Answer. A . To the first we consent, it 
haying been the practice of this court, in the first place, 
to insert in the oath of fidelity required of every house- 
holder, to be truly loyal to our sovereign lord, the 
king, his heirs, and successors. Also, to administer 
all acts of justice in his majesty's name. 

2. To the second we also consent, it having been 
our constant practice to admit men of competent estates 
and civil conversation, though of difFej-ent judgments, 
yet being otherwise orthodox, to be freemen, and to 
have liberty to choose and be chosen officers, both ci- 
vil and military. 

3. To the third we cannot, but acknowledge it to 
be a high favor from God and from our sovereign that 
we may enjoy our conscience in point of God's worship ; 
the main end of transplanting ourselves into these re- 
mote corners of the earth, and should most heartily 
rejoice, that all our neighbors, so qualified as in tha't 
proposition, would adjoin themselves to our societies 
according to the order of the gospel, for enjoyment of 
the sacraments to themselves and theirs ; but if, through 
different persuasions respecting church government, it 
cannot be obtained, we would not deny a liberty to 
any according to the proposition that are truly con- 
scientious, aithoup^h differing from us, especially where 
his majesty commands it, they maintaining an able 



1664] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 133 

preaching ministry for the carrying on of public sab- 
bath worship, which, we doubt not, is his majesty's in- 
tent, and withdraw not from paying their due proportion 
of maintenance to such ministers as are orderly settled 
in the places where they live, until they have one of 
iheir own, and that in such places as are capable of 
maintaining the worship of God in two distinct congre- 
gations. We being greatly encouraged by his majesty's 
gracious expressions in his letter to us, and your hon- 
Dr's further assurance of his Royal purpose, to continue 
Dur liberties, that where places, by reason of our pau- 
ity and poverty, are incapable of two, it is not in- 
tended that such congregations as are already in being 
should be rooted out, but their liberties preserved, there 

ing other places to accommodate men of different 
persuasions in societies by themselves, which, by our 
known experience, tends most to the preservation of 
peace and charity. 

4. To the fourth we consent that all laws and ex- 
pressions in laws derogatory to his majesty, if any such 
shall be formed amongst us, which at present we are 
not conscious of, shall be repealed, altered and taken 
DfF from the file. 

By order of the general court for the ) 
jurisdiction of New Plymouth. 5 
Per me, 

Nathaniel Morton^ 
Secretary, 

The conditions expressed in the answer to the third 
proposition appeared so reasonable to the commission- 
srs, that when they afterward met the general assem- 
bly of Connecticut, in April, 1665, their third pro- 
position is qualified in substance, conformably to the 
Plymouth reply. — Judge Davis's Ed. Memoir. 

So favorable was the report of the Royal commis- 
sioners respecting the affairs and proceedings of the 
Plymouth colony, that in 1666 his majesty addressed 
i second letter to that government, in which the Roval 
12 



134 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1665 

approbation and praise are expressed in exalted terms.: 
presuming that the fidelity and affection for their sove-: 
reign are ' rooted in their hearts.' ^ Although,' says the 
letter, ' your carriage of itself must justly deserve oui 
praise and approbation, yet it seems to be set off with 
more lustre by the contrary deportment of the colony 
of Massachusetts, as if by their refractoriness they had 
designed to recommend and heighten the merit of youi 
compliance with our directions for the peaceable anc 
good government of our subjects in those parts. You 
may, therefore, assure yourselves, that we shall nevei 
be unmindful of this your loyal and dutiful behavior, 
but shall upon all occasions take notice of it to youi 
advantage, promising you our constant protection and 
royal favor in all things that may concern your safety 
peace, and welfare. And so we bid you farewell.' 

At the general court of magistrates and deputiei 
assembled at Plymouth in October, 1665, it was deemed 
indispensably necessary that Governor Prince should 
remove his residence from Eastham to Plymouth for 
the more convenient administration of justice, anc 
he having complied with the requisition, the couri 
therefore ordered that his salary should be £50 pei 
annum. And as he resided in a place which had beer 
purchased by the colony ' for that end,' it was furthei 
ordered, in case of his decease, his family should be* 
permitted to remain in the place for a year ; or if he 
should not be re-elected, he should be at liberty to re^ 
main in the government house a year. 

With respect to the assistants, it was enacted that 
the old magistrates should be allowed X20 per annum, 
and that the charge of their table should be defrayed, 
and those who were newly elected should be allowed 
the charge of their table only. In July 1667, £50 
annual salary was allowed to all the assistants, and the 
charge of their table. It was also enacted, that such 
as were chosen to the office and should refuse to serve, 
should be fined £5 for the use of the colony. 







1668] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 135 

S. the daughter of R. K. was presented for slander, 
and found guilty ; ordered to be punished severely by 
whipping. 

1666. — This year, says Morton, the author of the 
New England Memorial, much of the wheat is de- 
stroyed by blasting and mildew, and it appears that 
this evil so frequently attended the attempts to culti- 
vate that valuable grain on the sea-coast, that the in- 
habitants became discouraged and relinquished further 
trials ; but the experienced agriculturists of the present 
day have ascertained that a particular kind of wheat 
may be profitably cultivated even on the sea borders 
of our fathers. 

1668. — Octoher, Price of produce was regulated as 
follows, in payment of minister's salary. Wheat As. 6d. ; 
barley four shillings; rye, os. 6d., corn three shillings; 
peas three shillings ; malt four shillings ; butter sixpence. 
Qualifications of townsmen regulated this year a sec- 
ond time."^ 

Timothy Hatherly, the founder of Scituate, died 
there this year. Mr. Hatherly was an eminent Eng- 
lish merchant, and had been one of the most zealous 
of the adventurers in forwarding the colony. He came 
over in the Ann in 1623, as already mentioned, and 
returned home; came over again in 1632, and settled 
at Scituate, of which place he may be considered the 
founder. He was elected an assistant in 1636, and 
was continued in that office by successive elections un- 
til 1658. He was the treasurer of the colony, and 
sometimes a commissioner of the united colonies. 
Mr. Hatherly was a gentleman of great intelligence 
and piety, and extremely useful in all the transactions 
of the colony. 

A. H. for making a proposal of marriage to E. P. 
and prosecuting the same contrary to her parents' liking 

* For many particulars relative to the affairs of this town, 1 am 
indebted to Notes on Plymouth, published in the Historical Collec- 
tions, vol. iii. second series, believed to be from the accurate pen 
pf tl?e late Samuel Da^is, Escj. 



\ 



136 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [166' ' 

and without their consent, and directly contrary to thei' 
mind and will, was sentenced to pay a fine of fivi 
pounds and find securities for good behavior, and de; 
sist the use of any means to obtain or retain her afFeC', 
tions. The bond A. H. acknowledgeth to owe thei 
king £50, J. D. £25, T. W. £25. The condition 
that whereas the said A. H. hath disorderly and un-i 
righteously endeavored to obtain the affections of Miss, 
E. P. against the mind and will of her parents, ii 
therefore the said A. H. shall for the future refrain 
and desist the use of any means to obtain or retaia 
her affections as aforesaid, and appear at court the 
first Tuesday of July next, and be of good behavior, 
&c. Released July 3d, 1667. A. H. did solemnly 
and seriously engage before the court that he will 
wholly desist, and never apply himself for future as 
formerly he hath done to Miss E. P. in reference un- 
to marriage. July, 1667. 

1668. — Twenty pounds were allowed by the colony 
towards printing the New England Memorial, and it 
was recommended to the towns to make a free and 
voluntary contribution towards it. The treasurer 
was directed to have it printed, and five pounds 
more were added. The next year the court or- 
dered the treasurer to make good a barrel of beef 
to Mr. Green, the printer, at Cambridge, to satisfy 
what is behind for printing the New England Memorial, 
which is something more than is due, but the court is 
willing to allow it, as he complains of a hard bargain. 
On the eighth of December, 1669, died Cap- 
tain Thomas Southworth, one of the assistants, at the 
age of fifty-three. He attracted the attention and re- 
spect of the people very early, and was selected to 
succeed Mr. Brewster in his office of ruling elder; but 
governor Bradford deeming him to be well adapted to 
civil office, the design was abandoned, and Mr. Cush- 
man was elected. 

Mr. Southworth was elected an assistant in ] 652, 
and continued in the government, with but few inters 



'^ 1670] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 137 

'^ ruptions, until his death. He was one of the commis- 
si isioners of the united colonies in 1659, and three years 
(l* after; again in 1664 he was appointed governor of the 
'^•colonies' territory on the Kennebec river, in Maine. He 
Jf was a man eminent for the soundness of his mind and 
the piety of his heart. It has been noticed, page 116, 
• ihat governor Bradford married for his second wife 
: Mrs. Alice Southworth, who came over with her two 
sons, Constant and Thomas. Thomas married his 
cousin Elizabeth Reyner, a daughter of the Rev. 
. John Reyner, the minister of Plymouth. His only 
child, Eliza, iijarried Joseph Howland, a son of John 
Howland, one of the pilgrims of the Mayflower. 

Constant Southworth was admitted a freeman in 
1637, and in the same year married a daughter of Mr. 
Collier. His name is on the list of volunteers to go 
against the Pequots, in 1637. He was elected deputy 
for Duxbury in 1649, and in several other years; 
was colony treasurer from 1659 to 1678, and often 
one of the assistants. In the early part of Philip's 
war he was commissary general, and accompanied the 
army. The famous partizan officer, Benjamin Church, 
married his daughter Alice, and two of his sons fre- 
quently accompanied Church in his expeditions. He 
died in 1687, leaving three sons, Edward, Nathaniel, 
and William ; three married daughters and two unmar- 
ried. 

1669. — E. D. of Eastham, for slandering and bely- 
ing his neighbors, fined twenty shillings, and reserved 
for future censure to a further trial of his future con- 
versation. 

1670. — J. C. for travelling on Sunday, and W. H. 
for conveying wood on Sunday, fined ten shillings each. 
N. S. for telling several lies to the damage of the 
colony, fined £5, or to be whipped. H. R. for abus- 
ing her husband, sentenced tobe publicly whipped at the 
post : at the earnest entreaty of herself and others, 
and promising amendment, it was suspended ; but if at 
12* 



138 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l67^ 

any other time she be taken in the like fault, it is to 
be executed. 

1 671. —John Prince and Nathaniel Bosworth, of 
Hull, petition the general court of Plymouth for liber- 
ty lo fish at Cape Cod for mackerel, they having dis- 
covered a method of fishing with nets by moonlight. 
This year the code of laws for the colony was again re- 
vised, and the next year printed with this title : 'The 
book of the general laws of the inhabitants of the juris- 
diction of New Plymouth. Printed by Samuel Green 
of Cambridge.'* 

John Barnes was standing at his barn door strok- i 
ing his bull, when the animal turned suddenly and 
thrust his horn into his thigh, making a wound eight 
inches long, from which he languished about thirty- 
two hours, and then died. From him descended the 
family of Barnes, in this town. 

1672. — John Rowland, one of the pilgrims of the 
Mayflower, died February2-2d, at the age of eighty, 
and was honorably interred at Plymouth. Mr. How- 
land was an assistant in the government as early as 
1633, and several years after. He left several daugh- 
ters and four sons, viz. John, who settled at Barnsta- 
ble, froni whom descended the Rev. John Howland, 
late minister of Carver ; Joseph settled at Plymouth ■ 
Isaac at Middleborough ; and Jabez, after the conquest 
of Mount Hope, at Bristol, Rhode Island. 

Liberty was granted George Bonham to erect a ful- 
ling mill on the town brook. This is the earliest date 
of any works on this stream other than grist-mills, of 
which two had been erected before, about 1631 and 
1632. 

Townsmen allowed to make ten barrels of tar annu- 
ally. 

* 'Governor Hutchinson, with unaccountable carelessness, has 

asserted, (vol. li. 463) that they never established any distinct code 
or body of laws ; grounding his assertion on a passage inHubbard'sv 
MS: History, which implies no such thins;.'— Belknap. 



673] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 139 

1673. — On the 8th of April died governor Thomas 
^rince, in the seventy-third year of his age. Mr. Prince 
rrived at Plymouth in 1 62 1 . He was then about twen- 
y-one years old. In 1624 he married Patience, the 
aughter of elder Brewster. In 1634 he was chosen 
overnor. The next year, being a widower, he mar- 
ied Mary, the daughter of Mr. William Collier. 
\bout this time it is presumed he removed to Duxbu- 
■y, where Mr. Collier resided. His residence at Ply- 
mouth is indicated by a reference in the records to his 
ot on * High Street.' In 1638, Mr. Prince again 
jerved in the oflice of governor. Before he was again 
3lected in 1657 he had removed to Eastham. The 
law required the governor to reside at Plymouth, but 
there was dispensation in his favor until 1665, when 
he removed to Plymouth, and took possession of a place 
provided for him by the government, which he oc- 
cupied until his death. It was more than a mile from 
the centre of the town on the road towards Boston, 
and was called Plain Dealing. This place w^as well 
known as the Lothrop farm, and is now in the occupancy 
of Isaac L. Hedge, Esq. 

The governor's salary was at the time established 
at £50 per annum, and it was stipulated that he should 
receive that sum annually, so long as he should be 
governor of the colony. The administration of gov- 
ernor Prince was inauspicious and perplexing. Many 
' uncomfortable jars ' and unhappy animosities prevail- 
ed, in consequence of the harsh measures which were 
pursued against sectaries, especially against the Qua- 
kers. The governor had also to encounter many dif- 
ficulties with the Indians. But, amidst these various 
perplexities, the government appears to have pursued 
a firm and steady course in promotion of the substan- 
tial interests of their constituents y and if, says Judge 
Davis, we except the lamented departure in some in- 
stances, from a just and prudent toleration on religious 
topics, a critical and candid examination of governor 



Il 



140 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [167 

Prince's conduct during the sixteen successive year 
of his magistracy, will, it is believed, find little to rep 
rehend and much to approve. He is particularly t 
be applauded for his solicitous attention to the estabi 
lishment of schools in the colony, of a higher grad 
than had before existed. Governor Prince was ofte 
employed in other public services of importance. H 
was of the council of war, treasurer of the colon; 
at one time, and often a Commissioner of the Unitec 
Colonies. His integrity was proverbial, and his in 
dustry, energy, and sound judgment, rendered him ; 
very useful instrument in conducting the affairs of th( 
rising colony, and would, we think, says Judge Davis 
have made him a respectable character in a far more 
considerable community. 

Among the good deeds of governor Prince, we 
should not omit to mention his exertions for a fixed 
and competent support of an able and learned minis- 
try. In many of the scattered settlements, a disposi- 
tion prevailed to neglect this important branch of pub- 
lic instruction, or to employ incompetent lay exhort- 
ers, practices which he uniformly discountenanced. 

Governor Prince left seven daughters, all of whom 
were married before his decease. His son, Thomas, 
went to England, where he married, and died young. 

The Plymouth church records, in expressing Mr. 
Prince's character and his amiable and pleasant con- 
versation, depart from their usual course, by an indi- 
cation of his personal appearance, from which it may 
be supposed that it was peculiarly dignified and strik- 
ing. ' He was excellently qualified for the office of 
governor. He had a countenance full of majesty, and 
therein, as well as otherwise, was a terror to evil-do- 
ers.' The foregoing is an abstract from the ample 
memoir by Judge Davis, in the Memorial. 

At the court in June of this year, Josias Winslow, 
the eldest son of the late governor Edward Winslow, 
was elected as the successor of governor Prince. John 
Alden remained the first assistant. 



131675] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 141 

4 1675. February. — A fortification was ordered to 
:|^:be erected on Fort Hill, an hundred feet square, with 
Kpalisadoes ten and a half feet high ; a watch-house to 
ibe erecte<i, and three pieces of ordnance planted 
i:within it ; on which occasion, all the males of sixteen 
ayears and upwards assisted in its erection. * Of this 
[ffortj' says the writer in Historical Collections, vol. iii. 
ir* from the description in the records, and the minute 
oldimensions given of all its parts and appendages, we 
i-made a drawing a few years since. 
a^ This was the memorable period of Philip's war, and 
ithe reader will remark, that it was in the depth of 
Iwinter when these preparations were necessary against 
i! an insidious foe. Frequently, doubtless, the women 
and children took shelter within these palisadoes, 
whose location and circuit we are able to delineate 
with exactness. The fort was built by Nathaniel 
Southworth.' When the times no longer required de- 
fence against the Indians, the fort w^as demolished, 
and the huge timber sold to Mr. William Harlow, who 
converted it into a dwelling-house ; but it was con- 
structed in a very uncouth form, and was glazed with 
diamond-glass, set in lead. It stood in a lot near the 
house belonging to the heirs of the late John Patey, 
and was not taken down till about fifteen years ago. 
The cannon employed in the fort were removed to 
Cole's Hill, for the defence of the town against the as- 
saults of a civilized and kindred people during the 
revolutionary war. After that event, the cannon were 
sold as refuse iron, and wrought up in a forge at 
Bridgewater. The antiquarian will regret, that these 
memorials of ancient warfare, these protectors of our 
ancestors when in infancy, were not transmitted to 
later generations. 

In the year 1674, an Indian named John Sausaman, 
left the service of King Philip, and informed the gov- 
ernment of the Sachem's hostile intention against the 
English. Governor Prince, advising with his counctlj 



142 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

resolved to send for Philip to inquire into the trutl 
of the allegation. Before this could be accomplished 
Sausaman was murdered, near Assawainset pond, h 
Middleborough. His body being found concealed 
under the ice, Tobias, one of Philip's counsellors,: 
and his son, with another Indian, were apprehended, 
on suspicion of being the murderers. They were 
convicted at Plymouth, at a court holden in June, 
1675, and executed. Six ' grave Indians,' were put 
upon the jury, in the trial of the culprits. This affair 
precipitated the hostilities, which, it appeared Philip 
had meditated, but for which he was not, at that time, 
fully prepared. 

This year William Macumber, for calling on an In- 
dian for a debt on Sunday, and a man for fighting on 
Sunday, were fined forty shillings each, or to be pub- 
licly whipped. 

It was ordered by the court this year that during 
the time of public danger, every one that comes to 
meeting on the Lord's day, bring his arms with him, 
with at least five charges of powder and shot, under a 
penalty of two shillings for every default. That whoso- 
ever shall shoot off a gun on any unnecessary occasion, 
or at any game, except at an Indian or a wolf, shall for- 
feit five shillings for every such shot, until further liber- 
ty shall be given. — Philip's War. During the years 
1675 and 1676 a sanguinary war was maintained with 
King Philip, who resided at Mount Hope, in the town 
of Bristol, Rhode Island. Philip was the youngest 
son of Massasoit, and sachem of the Wampanoags, and 
a bold and resolute warrior. Having formed allian- 
ces with numerous tribes of savages, he assembled such 
a formidable force that all New England was menaced 
with destruction. In every town houses were garrison- 
ed for the security of families, yet tragical scenes kept 
the inhabitants in constant alarm. Dwelling houses, 
although garrisoned, consumed, and men, women and 
children butchered by savage hands, An armed force 



1676] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 143 

among the colonists became indispensable, and troops 
•.vere raised in the following proportions. Massachu- 
setts colony 527. Plymouth 158. Connecticut 315. 
General Josiah Winslow was appointed commander-in- 
chief, and James Cudworth commanded the Plymouth 
forces. On the 19th of December, ]675, the English 
advanced upon the enemy, and attacked them in their 
strong hold. They had constructed a strong fort with 
logs and trees in the centre of a large swamp, in which 
was a piece of high ground of several acres. Here 
were their wigwams, containing their families and pro- 
visions. In this dismal place a battle of three hours 
was fought with unprecedented ferocity and obstinacy. 
Had the English been defeated, not a man would have 
escaped from the swamp alive ; but a kind Providence 
so ordered it that the English were victorious. It was 
computed that 700 fighting Indians were slain ; among 
them were twenty-five chiefs, and three hundred m.ore 
it is said died of their wounds. About six hundred 
wigwams were consumed, in which perished a consid- 
erable number of old men, women and children. Of 
the English, six captains and eighty men were killed 
or mortally wounded, and one hundred and fifty others 
were wounded. 

On the 12th of March, 1676, the garrison house of 
Mr. Clark, at Eel river, in this town, was attacked by a 
party of Indians on the Sabbath, when most of the men 
were gone to meeting, and eleven persons were killed 
and the house consumed. The house, with two or 
three others, had been fortified for the security of fami- 
lies in that neighborhood. The house stood on the west 
side of the road, near the spot where the dwelling-house 
of the Rev. Mr. Witmore has recently been erected. 
Among the sufferers in this tragedy, was a boy who 
received several tomahawk wounds on the skuUj and 
was left for dead, but he recovered, and afterwards- 
wore a plate of silver over the wound, from which he 
was distinguished by the name of silver-head Tom 
during life. 



144 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1676 

1676. May llth the Indians made an attack on a 
settlement in that part of Plymouth which is now HaH- 
fax : the inhabitants being suddenly alarmed, fled with 
their families ; but the savages burnt eleven houses and 
five barns ; and two days after seven houses and two 
barns. The wife of King Philip, and his son about 
nine years old had been taken and brought to Plymouth, 
but Philip, although he had lost the most of his warri- 
ors and was almost alone, had the address for a long 
time to elude the vigilance of his pursuers. At length, 
finding himself harassed to the last extremity, in July 
1676, he resorted to a swamp near Mount Hope for 
concealment. On the 12th of August Captain Church 
approached with a party of volunteers, surrounded the 
swamp on all sides, and so disposed of themselves as 
to render his escape impossible. Finding himself 
closely pressed on one side the swamp, he attempted to 
escape from the opposite, where a soldier and an Indi- 
an named Alderman were posted ; on his appearance 
the soldier attempted to fire, but his gun snapped with- 
out effect. Alderman then fired and shot Philip 
through the heart. Thus fell this mighty warrior, and 
his head was brought to Plymouth in triumph.* Phil- 

* There is in Historical Society's Collections, vol. iv. second se- 
ries, an anecdote respecting: the lock of the gun with which King 
Philip was killed, as follows: 

The late Isaac Lothrop of Plymouth, obtained the lock of Sylva- 
nus Cook, late of Kingston. Sylvanus was great grandson of Ca- 
leb Cook, and Caleb was the soldier placed with an Indian by Col. 
Church to watch, and if possible, kill King Philip. Cook, as the 
historian relates, snapped his gun, but it missed fire. He then 
bade the Indian fire, and he instantly shot him through the heart. 
The tradition is, that Cook, having a strong desire to possess the 
gun with which Philip was killed, prevailed on the Indian to ex- 
change guns with him ; and the fortunate gun has been preserved 
in the family of the Cooks to the present time. When the great 
grandson consented that Mr. Lothrop should take the lock, he re- 
tained the other parts as memorials of the interesting event. The 
gun lock was by Dr. Nathaniel Lothrop, late of this town, present- 
ed to Rev. John Lothrop of Boston, and by him to the Historical 
Society, 



1676] HISTORY OP PLYMOUTH. 145 

ip was unquestionably a great warrior and a mighty 
chief, in whom rested the confidence and the hope of 
the confederated tribes. The noble deeds which he 
performed in 1676 in the defence of his unfortunate 
people, would not suffer in comparison with those of 
the renowned heroes, in our own cause in 1776, to 
whom has justly been awarded a large share of honor 
and fame. From the death of Philip may be dated 
the extinction of his tribe, and eventually the aborigin- 
al race in New England. The termination of this hor- 
rid Indian war was an event of the utmost importance 
to the colonies, as during its continuance of about two 
years, they suffered a loss of about six hundred men 
in the flower of their strength, twelve or thirteen towns 
were destroyed, and six hundred dwelling houses con- 
sumed. 

It is a consoling fact, says Dr. Holmes' Annals, that 
our ancestors purchased of the natives their land for an 
equivalent consideration, as appears by a letter from the 
pious governor Winslow, dated at Marshfield, May 1st, 
1676, as follows : ' I think I can clearly say, that before 
these present troubles broke out, the English did not 
possess one foot of land in this colony but what was 
fairly obtained by honest purchase of the Indian pro- 
prietors. We first made a law that none should pur- 
chase or receive of gift any land of the Indians, with- 
out the knowledge of our court. And lest they should 
be straitened, we ordered that Mount Hope, Pocasset, 
and several other necks of the best land in the colo- 
ny, because most suitable and convenient for them, 
should never be bought out of their hands.' During 
the war with Philip, an Englishman deserted to the 
Narragansets, and carried with him a quantity of pow- 
der and joined the Indians in battle against the English. 
He was captured, and on trial confessed his guilt, and 
was condemned to be hanged and quartered, which 
was soon put into execution. 

In a review of the treatment of the Indian prisoners 
13 



146 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1676 

by the colonists, the inquiry naturally arises to what 
extent the infliction of capital punishment could be 
considered as justifiable and proper. Although the 
position is admissible, that a conquered foe should 
be rendered incapable of committing further enormi- 
ties, yet retaliation should be tempered with mercy, 
and human lives should be sacrificed no further than 
the public safety demands. Our chief source of in- 
telligence relative to the disposition of the Indian 
prisoners is from the researches of Judge Davis, as 
published in his Appendix to Morton's Memorial. 
From this, it appears that a majority of these unfor- 
tunate people were condemned to be sold in per- 
petual slavery ; but a number of guilty natives were 
condemned to suffer death. These victims, how- 
ever, were selected from among the most notorious 
murderers of defenceless families and individuals. 
Those fiends who assaulted the house of Mr. Clark, 
in Plymouth, were justly excepted from mercy or 
quarter. Eleven of these culprits were captured in 
July, 1676, four of whom were executed at Plymouth. 
It is related by the accurate author above quoted, that 
Captain Church captured Anawon, and by some en- 
couraging intimations, induced Tispiquin to surrender 
himself. It would seem that Captain Church consid- 
ered himself responsible for the lives of those Indians ; 
but to his grief, Anawon, although advanced in years, 
and who had been a chief and a counsellor in the time 
of Massasoit, was put to death. Tispiquin was believed 
by the natives to be invulnerable to bullets. Church, 
therefore, intimated that his life should be spared, and 
that he would employ him in his service. ' He came 
in,' says Mr. Hubbard, ' upon hopes of being made a 
captairk under Church, but upon trial (which was the 
condition on which his being promised a captain's place 
did depend.) he was found penetrable by the English 
guns, for he fell down upon the first shot, and thereby 
received the just reward of his former wickedness.' 
Respecting this extraordinary transaction, so irrecon- 



1676] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 147 

cileable with the laws of honor and probity, Judge 
Davis makes the following just remarks : — ' This pitiful 
evasion, it may be hoped, belongs wholly to the histo- 
rian ; we are unwilHng to believe that the authorities 
of the country would have resorted to such unworthy 
equivocation.' But an interesting inquiry is. What 
was the destined fate of Philip's son ? It appears that 
government were not prepared to dispose of this inno- 
cent youth without the opinion and advice of learned 
divines. The Rev. Mr. Cotton, of Plymouth, and the 
Rev. Mr. Arnold, of Marshfield, rendered their united 
opinion to the following purport : — ' They humbly con- 
ceive, on serious consideration, that the children of 
notorious traitors, rebels, and murderers, especially of 
such as have been principal leaders and actors in such 
horrid villanies, and that against a whole nation, yea, 
the whole Israel of God, may be involved in the guilt 
of their parents, and may, salva republica, be adjudged 
to death, as to us seems evident by the scripture in- 
stances of Saul, Achmi, Haman, the children of whom 
were cut off by the sword of justice for the transgres- 
sions of their parents, although, concerning some of 
those children, it be manifest that they were not ca- 
pable of being co-actors therein.' 

The opinion of the Rev. Increase Mather, of Boston, 
in a letter to Mr. Cotton, October 30th, 1676 : ' If it had 
not been out of my mind when I was writing, I should 
have said something about Philip's son. It is neces- 
sary that some effectual course should be taken about 
him. He makes me think of Hadad, who was but a 
little child when his father, (the chief sachem of the 
Edomites) was killed by Joab ; and had not others fled 
away with him, I am apt to think that David would 
have taken a course, that Hadad should never have 
proved a scourge to the next generation.' But the 
Rev. James Keith, of Bridgewater interposed as a more 
auspicious pleader in the cause of humanity. In a let- 
ter to Mr. Cotton, lie says, * I lon^ to hear what be- 



148 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1677 

comes of Philip's wife and son. I know there is some 
difficulty in that Psalm, cxxxvii. 8, 9, though I think 
it may be considered, whether there be not some spe- 
cialities, and somewhat extraordinary in it. That lawj 
(Deut. xxiv. 16,) compared with the commended ex- 
ample of Amaziah, 2 Chron. xxv. 4, doth sway muck 
with me, in the case under consideration. I hope God 
will direct those whom it doth concern to a good issue. 
Let us join our prayers at the throne of grace, with all 
our might, that the Lord would so dispose of all public 
motions and affairs, that his Jerusalem, in this wilder- 
ness, may be the habitation of justice and the moun- 
tain of holiness, that so it may be, also, a quiet habita- 
tion, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down.' Mr. 
Keith was happy in his reference to 2 Chron. ' But 
he slew not their children, but did as it is written in 
the law in the book of Moses,' he. It is consoling to 
our feelings to know, that in the issue of this singular 
discussion, the life of the innocent boy was spared, 
although that life was for a price doomed to slavery. 
— Judge Davis\<i edit. Mamoriah 

We readily coincide with Judge Davis in the follow- 
ing sentiment, but must except the instance of the un- 
fortunate French Dauphin, in 1793: — 'The question 
thus seriously agitated would not, in modern times, 
occur in any nation in Christendom. Principles of 
public law, sentiments of humanity, the mild influence 
of the Gospel, in preference to a recurrence to the 
Jewish dispensation, so much regarded by our ances- 
tors in their deliberations and decisions, would forbid 
the thought of inflicting punishment on children for the 
ofl:ences of a parent.' — Memoir, Appendix, p. 455. 

1677. — The general court, aware that it is upon the 
pastoral office that particular churches must depend for 
religious instruction and edification, ordered that pro- 
per provision should be made for the support of public 
worship ; and in 1678 it was enacted, that in each town 
and village within the jurisdiction, there should be a 



1678] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 149 

house of worship erected. The provision made in the 
foregoing law is believed to have been the first where 
coercive collection of taxes, for the maintenance of 
ministers, was authorized. Orders had been passed 
which recommended to the people to provide a liberal 
support for their pastors, but no authority had been 
given to enforce its coercive payment. In the same 
year provision was made also for the support of public 
schools. 

In November of this year, two more courts were 
authorized to be holden by the selectmen of towns, in 
December and May. The laws respecting the sales of 
strong liquors and wines were renewed, and the penal- 
ties increased, and the sale was forbidden to all except 
strangers, and not allowed to them without a license. 

1678. — The court, conceiving that the public safety 
required that all persons in the government should 
abide and continue in each town respectively, ordered 
that no one should depart on the penalty of forfeiting his 
whole personal estate, except by allowance of the gov- 
ernor, 01* two magistrates ; and it shall be lawful to seize 
their persons and estates, boats, and carts, that shall be 
found employed in carrying them away. 

I cite from the Old Colony Record Book of Court 
Orders, the following proceeding : — ' This may certify, 
that certain Indians near Sandwich, whose names are 
Canootus and Symon and Joell, being apprehended on 
their confession, convicted of feloniously breaking open 
a house and stealing from a chest of Zechariah Allen, 
of Sandwich, twenty-five pounds in money, they having 
lost or embezzled said money, and no other way ap- 
pearing how he should be satisfied for his loss, the co- 
lony have sentenced the above named Indians to be 
iperpetual slaves, and empower said Allen to make sale of 
jthera in New England, or elsewhere, as his lawful slaves 
for the term of their lives.' 

Edward Gray hired Clark's Island for seven years, at 
£3 9s, per annum, to keep 16 neat cattle free of rate, 
13^ 



150 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1680 

townsmen to have liberty to bring wood for building, 
fencing and firing. Agawani lands were leased for 
seven years. 

Josiah Winslow, governor of Plymouth Colony died 
December ISth, 1680, in the fifty-second year of his age. 
He was the son of governor Edward Winslow, born at 
Marshfield, 1629, and the first governor bora in New 
England. He enjoyed the benefit of his father's care 
and attention in his early education, and his whole life 
evidenced that he copied that eminent man's bright ex- 
ample of steady virtue, public spirit, and disinterested 
energetic action.^ 

His discretion as a civil magist/ate, and his bravery 
as a military commander, procured him great respect, 
and the fullest confidence of the people. One of the 
first steps in his administration, was to correct a rash 
proceeding that had made unfavorable impressions on 
the minds of many of the best men in the colony. Mr. 
Cudworth was not only left out of the magistracy, as has 
been before observed, on account of his opposition to 
the proceedings against the quakers, but hisdetter to 
Mr. Brown, published in England, had given such of- 
fence, that he was disfranchised, and deprived of his 
military command in Scituate. A like severity, and on 
similar grounds, had been exercised in regard to Isaac 
Robinson, son of Rev. John Robinson. His name was 
stricken off the list of freemen. Soon afier Mr. Wins- 
low's election, both these gentlemen were restored to 
their former places, and the country had the benefit of 
Mr. Cudworth's valuable services, in many important 
trusts in the military and in the civil department. Gov- 
ernor Winslow was eminendy serviceable in Philip's war, 
and his name is mentioned with honor in various histories 
of that period. In a letter to governor Leveret, he thus ; 
expresses himself:-' Some resolute attempt for Philip's 
surprisal must be put in execution. Would to God I 
was with our men, so as 1 might not, in the mean time, , 
be missed at home. I should hope, by the blessing of i 
God, to give a good account of him in a short timt.' 






1680] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 151 



July 26th, 1675 — ' My person, I hear, has been much 
threatened. I have about twenty men at my liouse ; 
have sent away my wife and children to Salem, that I 
may be less encumbered ; have flankered my house, 
and resolve to maintain it so long as a man will stand 
by me.' His health, habitually feeble, was much im- 
paired by the fatigues of the Narraganset expedition. 
In February, 1676, the commissioners of the United 
Colonies observed, that ' through indisposition of body, 
he is disenabled from going forth again.' And, there- 
Ifore, made provision, that the commander-in-chief of 
the forces of the colony, where the seat of war should 
happen to be, should be ^ chief over the whole.' One 
hundred pounds was allowed by the commissioners for 
his services, and a grant, on the same ground, was made 
to him by Plymouth colony. His stated salary, as 
governor, was fifty pounds per annum. The expenses 
of his funeral, forty pounds, were directed to be paid from 
the public treasury, ' as a testimony of the colony's en- 
deared love and affection to him.'^ Plymouth Record. 
His wife was Penelope, a daughter of Herbert Pelham, 
Esq. a gentleman of distinction, who took an early inter- 
est in the settlement of New England, and who came to 
Boston in 1637, but did not remain long in the country. 
Governor Winslow was introduced into public life very 
early, and in 1643, as soon as he was eligible, was 
chosen a deputy to the court from Marshfield, and se- 
veral times afterwards. 

In 1657, soon after the death of bis father, he was 
chosen an assistant, and in 1659, the major, or chief 
military commander of the colony. 

He was, for many years, a commissioner of the con- 
federated colonies, and in 1673, after the death of 
governor Prince, he was chosen his successor. In his 

* Two elegies were written on the death of governor Josiah 
Winslow ; one by Rev. Mr. Witherell, of Scituate, the other by- 
Rev. Mr. Wiswall, of Duxbury. The former is published in Rev. 
Mr. Dean's history of Scituate. 



152 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l68( 

native colony, governor Winslow stood on the highestl 
ground in society. ' Civic honors awaited him in his 
earliest youth ; he reached every elevation which could 
be attained ; and there was nothing left for ambition to 
covet, because all had been gained. He lived on his 
ample paternal domain, and his hospitality was not 
only generous, but magnificent. In addition to his 
military and civic distinctions, he had acquired that of 
being the most accomplished gentleman, and the most 
delightful companion, in the colony, and the attractions 
of the festive and social board at Careswell were not 
a little heightened by the charms of his beautiful wife.' 
'Mild and tolerant himself,' continues Mr. Baylies, 
' he witnessed with regret the movements of that fierce 
spirit which would not tolerate the liberality, and was 
blind to the wisdom of Cudworth and Brown ; and he 
had the address to restore them to the confidence of 
the people, at a period when the curse of the age, 
the spirit of religious bigotry, was maddened by oppo- 
sition and armed with power. Persevering, frank, 
bold, and resolute, he encountered the hazard of popu- 
lar displeasure with the same fearlessness as he did the 
ambushes and bullets of the savages.' 

His only son, the Hon. Isaac Winslow, was emi- 
nently distinguished, having sustained the chief places 
of power and honor in the colony, as chief commander 
of the military under the governor, and for several 
years Chief Justice of the Inferior Court of Common 
Pleas, Judge of Probate of Wills, and one of his 
Majesty's Council for the Province of Massachusetts 
Bay for more than twenty years, and for several years 
President of that body. This gentleman possessed 
a true English spirit, much given to hospitality, and 
was universally beloved. He died at his seat at 
Marshfield, December 1738,* in the 68th year of his 

* He was buried on the 18th of December. The bearers were 
Col. Thaxter, Col. Lathrop, N. Thomas, N. Sever, Kenelm Wins- 
low, Esq. and J . 



1G80] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 153 

asje. He lived to see both of his surviving sons, John and 
Edward, take their turns as clerks of the same courts. 
His eldest son, a young gentleman of great promise, 
by the name of Josiah, engaged in military service, re- 
ceived a captain's commission, and was killc-d in battle, 
with thirteen of his company, after a most gallant re- 
isiance against a superior force of French and Indians 
in 1724. General John Winslow, the eldest of the sur- 
viving sons of Isaac, was a distinguished and success- 
ful commander. In 1740, he commanded a company 
in the expedition against Cuba, and afterwards rose to 
the rank of Major-general in the British service.* In 
1755, an expedition against Nova Scotia w^as under- 
taken by the British government, of which General 
Monckton was commander-in-chief, and General (then 
Colonel) John Winslow, second in command. So 
great was the popularity of Colonel Winslow, that in an 
incredible short time, he raised for this expedition two 
thousand men. The two French forts were captured, 
with scarcely any loss on the part of the conquerors, and 

* We have now in the library of the Pilgrim Society three cora- 
mipsions to John Winslow, Esq. 

1. Commission by Gov. Shirly, authorising him to hold courts- 
martial while on the expedition to Crown Point, 1755. 

2. Commission by Gov. Hardy, of New York, to be General and 
commander-in-chief of the Provincial troops, July, 1756. 

3. By Gov. Pownal, to be Major-general in the king's service, 
1757. 

General Winslow was remarkable for his skill in horsemanship. 
He imported a valuable horse from England, and it was among his 
, greatest delights to be mounted on his favorite animal. On a cer- 
i tain occasion, a number of gentlemen of this town formed a party 
, with Gen. Winslow, for a pleasurable excursion to Saquish, in Ply- 
mouth harbor, and to return to dine in town. Wliile there, Wins- 
low fell asleep ; the other gentlemen silently withdrew, and pur- 
! sued their journey. When he awoke and found himself deserted, 
i he mounted, and daringly plunging his steed into the channel, 
I swam him across, and landed on Plymouth beach, a distance esti- 
I mated at something more than half a mile, from whence he rode 
i into town, making the whole distance but six miles, while his com- 
r panions were riding fourteen miles. On their arrival, th<ey were 
astounded to find the General seated at the tavern, prepared to greet 
them with a bowl of punch. 



154 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1680 

the whole Province completely reduced, chiefly through] 
the enterprize and good conduct of Colonel Winslow : 
to him too was entrusted the difficult and delicate task, 
of removing the French neutrals. In 1756, he com- 
manded at Fort William Henry, on Lake George. 
He was also a counsellor of the Province. He died at 
Marshfield in 1774, at the age of 73. 

General John Winslow resided for several years in 
Plymouth : he owned the house which now belongs to 
the heirs of Hon. James Warren, making the south- 
west corner of North street. 

The fact is well understood that many of this ancient 
family had been educated from infancy under the be- 
guiling influence and favor of the Royal government. 
At the commencement, and during the whole progress 
of the revolutionary struggle, therefore, it was found 
difficult to espouse a cause so totally incompatible with 
their sense of duty to their sovereign, and the family 
were subjected to much obloquy and unhappiness by. 
their faithful adherence to the royal cause. Generall 
John Winslow left two sons, Pelham^ and Isaac. Pel- 
ham, from principle was in the Royal interest, andl 
being obnoxious to popular resentment, found it expe- 
dient to resort to the British for protection, and he^ 
died on Long Island in the year 1776. Isaac was; 
loyal also, but in the medical profession, and residedj 
on the paternal estate at Marshfield, where he died in] 
1819, aged 81 years. 

* Pelham married the daughter of Capt. Cornelius White, of thisi 
town, whom he left wiih two daughters ; the elder married the« 
late Henry Warren, Esq. and the younger married Nathan Hay- 
ward, Esq. Isaac Winslow, the physician, married the daughteri 
of the elder Dr. Stockbridge, of Scituate. His children were John,i 
an eminent lawyer, who died at Natches, 1820, where he had re- 
moved on account of his health. The daughters are three, the wifei 
of Kilborn Whitman, Esq., the widow of Thomas Dingley, Esq.,. 
and the wife of EbenezerClapp, Esq. John left two sons, Pelhamr 
and Isaac, who are living in Boston ; the only males, surviving in 
this country of the name of Winslow, descendants from the first 
governor Winslow. John left also three daughters. 



[680] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 155 

Edward, the younger brother of General John Wins- 
ow, was an accomphshed scholar and a gendeman of 
ine taste. He resided in Plymouth, was clerk of the 
:ourt, and collector of the port. He was one of the 
Tiost active members of the Old Colony Club, and his 
iddress on the 22d December, 1770, was the first ever 
delivered on that occasion. A few years prior to the 
revolutionary war, this gentleman erected a dwelling 
Qouse in North street in this town, in a style of ele- 
gance far superior to any one previously erected in the 
Old Colony, and even at this present day is admired as 
1 fine model of architecture. Mr. Winslow, being a roy- 
alist, removed at the commencement of the troubles to 
New Brunswick, where his posterity have acquired, 
and are still in the enjoyment of high official distinc- 
tions. In consequence of his removal, he forfeited his 
estate in his native country, but every branch of his 
family, male and female, was by the British govern- 
ment amply provided for during the remainder of 
their lives. A writer in the Boston Gazette, November 
1826,* having just visited the seat of the Winslow 
family, speaking of the family portraits, ' all of which 
we hope may at no distant day be copied to adorn the 
Pilgrims Hall, in Plymouth ; that of Josiah Winslow is 
evidently by the hand of a master, and his beautiful 
bride makes one of the group. She appears about 
twenty, and her costume is more modern than is given 
to other females of that period. Her head-dress is of 
great simplicity, the hair parted on the top, and falling 
in ringlets on each side of her temples and neck ; the 
countenance bespeaks intelligence and gentleness.' 

There are yet in existence some ancient relics be- 
longing to the Winslow family. A sitting chair which 
was screwed to the floor of the Mayflower's cabin, for 
the convenience of a lady : it is known to have been in 
the possession of Penelope Winslow, who married 

* AWen Bradford, Esq. 



156 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1689 ^ 

James Warren, grandfather of our late General James: Tl 
Warren. This chair is now in the possession of Mis£ 
Hannah White, a direct descendant from Peregrine 
White. A watch-purse, composed of small beads, 
which was made by Penelope Pelham, while on her 
voyage to America. She married governor Winslow. 
A curious ring, which contains the hair of governor 
Josiah Winslow ; and a pearl spoon. These last arti- 
cles are in possession of Mrs. Hayward, who was a 
Winslow. 

The coats of arms of the Winslows, Paddys, WJiites 
and Rowlands, were procured by General WinsTow* 
from the herald's office when in London, and are now 
in the family. 

16S1. — Thomas Hinckly, of Barnstable, succeeded 
Josiah Winslow in the office of governor ; and was 
re-elected to that office for several years. Military 
companies were required to fill vacancies with able of- 
ficers, and the soldiers were to be provided with swords 
and cutlasses. The selectmen were required to be 
under oath, and the secretary was to furnish them a 
book containing all the orders of court. It was also 
ordered, that in every town of the jurisdiction, three 
men should be chosen and joined with the commis- 
sioned officers to be the town council. Elder Faunce 
was one of three members of this board, whose duty 
seems to have been, to adjust and make taxes accru- 
ing in military affairs. 

1682. — Agawam land was sold, to build a meeting- 
house ; a free passage for the alewives up the brook 
from Buzzard's Bay reserved to the town, and the ju- 
risdiction of the territory. This meeting-house was 
the second built on the same lot in the towa square. 
The town's part of the money, wliich Mount Hope 
land sold for, went in part for this appropriation. 

A person was appointed by the tc^wn to grant tick- 
ets, according to law in such cases provided, to such 
persons as are necessitated to travel on the Lord's day. 



685] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 157 

The people were required to refrain from labor and 
recreation on fast and thanksgiving days, and from 
travelling on the sabbath and on lecture days. Inn- 
keepers were required to clear their houses of all per* 
sons able to go to meeting, except strangers. 

Severe laws were passed in 1677 and in 1682, re- 
gulating the lives and conduct of the Indians, requiring 
them to live orderly, soberly and diligently. In each 
town where Indians live, one able, discreet man was to 
be appointed by the court of assistants to take oversight 
and government of the Indians in said town, and to 
take notice of all breaches of the laws. In each town 
where Indians reside, every tenth Indian shall be cho- 
sen by the court of assistants annually, as an overseer, 
who shall take particular inspection and oversight of 
his nine men, and present their faults to the proper 
authority. 

It was also ordered, that the overseers and tithing- 
men should appoint Indian constables annually, who 
shall attend their courts, and the constables shall obey- 
all the warrants of the overseers on such penally as 
the court of assistants shall inflict. The Indians were 
subject to all capital and criminal laws made for the 
English in the colony. For drunkenness, for the first 
fault to pay a fine of five shillings, or be whipped ; for 
the second, ten shillings, or be whipped. 

Charles Stockbridge was employed by the town to 
build a grist-mill this year, now called the upper mill, 
being then the second on the same stream. 

1683. — The court ordered that the selectmen in 
each town take care that the poor in their res]>eotive 
townships be provided for at the charge of the town. 

A bridge over Eel river, and one over Jones 
river ordered to be built. 

1684. — The king's highways were laid out through 
the township. 

1685. — This is the date of the colony of Plymouth 
being divided into three counties, Plymouth, J3arn- 
14 



158 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1685 

Stable, and Bristol, and in the same year ' their bod}i 
of laws was revised and published. It is a small bu 
venerable volume, and contains many marks of the 
wisdom and piety of the framers.' There were a 
that time in the colony, 1439 praying Indians, besides 
boys and girls under twelve years of age, who were 
supposed to be more than three times that number. 

The puritans did not take the name of Christians for 
the purpose of conquest or gain ; it was among their 
first concerns to conciliate the Indians, and thus prepare 
the way for their conversion to the christian faith, and 
great efforts were made for their religious instruction. 
Judge Davis, in his Appendix to the Memorial, 
observes, that the employment of the more intelligent 
and energetic Indians as rulers was particularly grateful 
to them. He had often heard of amusing anecdotes 
of the Indian rulers. The following warrant is recol- 
lected, which was issued by one of those magistrates, 
directed to an Indian constable, and will not suffer in 
comparison with our more verbose forms. 

* I, Hihoudi, you Peter Waterman, Jeremy Wicket, 
quick you take him, fast you hold him, straight you 
bring him before me, Hihoudi.' 

On the 28th of June, died Mr. Nathaniel Morton, 
secretary of the colony court, and author of New 
England's ^lemorial. 

Nathaniel Morton was the son of Mr. George Mor- 
ton, who came to Plymouth, with his family, in July^ 
1623. He had been an inhabitant of the same village 
with governor Bradford, in the north of England, and 
married the governor's sister. He died in June, 1624, 
leaving a widow and four children, Nathaniel, John, 
Patience, and Ephraim. John, the second son, was an 
early settler in Middleborough. From him, it is believ- 
ed, is descended Hon. Marcus Morton, now one of 
the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massa- 
chusetts. Ephraim became a man of considerable dis- 
tinction in the colony. He w^as, for many successive 
years, a member of the council of war, and, with John 



L6S5] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 159 

Bradford, represented the town of Plymouth in the first 
general court holden at Boston after the union of the 
two colonies. From this branch is descended Perez 
Morton, Esq. Attorney General of Massachusetts. Pa- 
tience Morton married John Faunce, and was the 
mother of Elder Thomas Faunce. Nathaniel, the eld- 
est child, was .twelve years old when his father died. 
He was admitted a freeman in 1635, and in the same 
year was married to Lydia Cooper. In 1673 his wife 
died. His second wife, who survived him, was Ann 
Templer, of Charlestown, a widow at the time of her 
marriage with Mr. Morton. He had eight children, 
(all by his first wife) two sons who died in childhood, 
and six daughters. All the daughters w^ere married in 
his life time. Two of them, Mary and Elizabeth, died 
before their father. The death of Elizabeth, the wife 
of Nathaniel Bosworth, of Hull, and her honorable bu- 
rial at Plymouth, are mentioned in the colony records. 
The reader is referred to the preface to the edition of 
the Memorial by Judge Davis for an interesting account 
of secretary Morton. 

I have seen in the hands/of Nathaniel M. Davis, 
Esq. an original deed executed by the four daughters, 
Remembrance, Lydia, Hannaii and Joanna, and their 
husbands, Abraham Jacksonyv^George Elliston, Isaac 
Cole, and Joseph Prince. The deed is dated April 
6th, 1692. The granters desel^be themselves as the 
sons-in-law and daughters of the late Mr. Nathaniel 
Morton, and convey ' that tract of land our father lived 
on, as also the dwelling-house that our father lived in.' 
The description which follows includes the estate now 
owned and occupied by Deacon Thoitias Atwood, near 
Hobbs-hole brook (WilKngsly). The aforesaid Abra- 
ham Jackson was the ancestor of the numerous and 
respectable family of that name in Plymouth. 

The four daughters of secretary Morton, above men- 
tioned, made their marks for their names : a striking in- 
stance of the neglect of female education in those 



160 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1685? 

days. It was at his residence by the side of Willings 
ly brook that secretary Morton wrote ihe New Eng- 
land Memorial, and the church records, and performed 
many useful labors for posterity. Here in the good- 
ness of his heart, the venerable man contemplated the 
providence of God towards his exiled brethren, and 
offered his fervent devotions in behalf of the Leyden 
church. 

It was evidently the earnest desire of Mr. Morton to 
leave a correct history of the New England colonies^ 
for the benefit of future generations, and his station in 
life afforded him peculiar facilities for the undertaking. 
He was scrupulously faithful in recording all interest- 
ing events and occurrences of his own times, that New 
England might remember the ' day of her small things,*" 
and that he might contribute his share of original mate- 
rials for a true and full history. The work is written 
in a modest simplicity of style, and contains the annals 
of New England, but with a special reference to Ply- 
mouth colony, for the space of forty years. From his 
sense of religious duty he was induced to take a par- 
ticular notice and make honorable mention, of those 
eminent christians who finished their course in his 
day. 

The first edition of the Memorial was published in 
1669. It was printed in Cambridge, by Samuel Green 
and Marmaduke Johnson, who received for that ser- 
vice a grant of twenty pounds from the colony, and af- 
terwards a small additional gratuity. This work was 
recommended to public notice by too cotemporary 
worthies, who in after time have been celebrated as 
among the greatest divines of New England, Rev. 
John Higginson, of Salem, and Rev. Thomas Thach- 
er, of Boston. The Memorial has been a source of 
resort for all succeeding writers on the same subject. 
Mr. Prince speaks of Morton's Memorial as the first 
source of his own information in compiling his inval- 
uable annals. The work, it will be allowed, contains a 



iD 



.OSGl HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 161 

ich fund of interesting narrative, relative to the early 
events which ought to be remembered, and every page 
ndicates a mind imbued with the true spirit of piety and 
oenevoience. Although written in plain language, and 
;he facts are unadorned, the solid good sense of the 
luthor, and his laudable attachment to all good men, 
md his love of country, are conspicuous throughout the 
whole. 

From the records it appears, that Mr. Morton was 
secretary of the court from 1645 to 1685, the year of 
his death. He was also for many years town clerk, 
in which he was succeeded by his nephew, elder 
Faunce. Besides preparing the Memorial, he collected 
various papers of much use to the colony, and the pre- 
sent generation is greatly indebted to his industry, and 
his attention to manuscri[)ts and dates, and to incidents 
which occurred in the colonies in the infancy of their ex- 
istence. The Memorial passed through a second edi- 
tion in 1721, to which is attached a supplement byJo- 
siah Cotton, Esq. then register of deeds for the coun- 
ty of Plymouth, continuing the account from 1669, to 
the union of Plymouth colony with Massachusetts. In 
1772, a third edition, copied from the second, was 
printed at Newport, and in 1826, a fourth edition was 
printed by Allen Danforth, at Plymouth. A fifth edi- 
tion of this valuable work was published at Boston in 
1826, to which are added numerous useful notes, and a 
copious and interesting appendix by Hon. Judge Davis. 

1686. — Mr. Thomas Hinckley was re-elected gover- 
nor, and William Bradford, deputy governor, from 1682, 
to the present year. 

We have to notice a memorable event of this year. 
On the 29th of December, Sir Edmund Andros arrived 
at Boston, bringing with him an enlarged commission, 
which vested the government of all the colonies of New 
England in him as governor, and in a council, nommat- 
ed by the crown ; and in 1688, New York was includ- 
ed in the commission. From the commencement of 
14* 



162 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1686 

the year 1687, to the end of April 1689, he exercisedi 
a power over these colonies little short of despotic. 
During this period, the history of Plymouth, being 
blended with that of the other colonies, is of a general, 
rather than of an individual character. Governor 
Hinckley, whose office had been superseded by the ap- 
pointment of Andros, petitioned the king for a redress 
of grievances ; but the petition was totally neglected, and I 
the colonists were smarting under the severity of arbitra- * 
ry rule until April, 1689, when a rumor reached Boston k 
that the Prince of Orange had landed in England. 
The smouldering fire burst forth at once, to the utter 
dismay of the agent of despotism. The people ofMas- 
sachusetts, without waiting for a confirmation of the re- 
port, seized their arms, proclaimed William and Mary 
King and Queen of England, arrested the governor, and 
confined him at the Casde, (which they now called 
Casde William,) compelled him to resign, terminated 
the government, and restored their old governor, Simon 
Bradslreetj then at the age of eighty-seven, who was 
called to the chair, not by the forms of a regular elec- 
tion, but by acclamation. Tlie people at Plymouth, ac- 
tuated by the same spirit, imprisoned Nathaniel Clark. 
one of the creatures of Andros and one of his council, and 
issued the following : — 

* e/Z Declaration of sundry inhabitants of Plymouth, 
— Whereas, w^e have not only just grounds to suspect, 
but are well assured that Nathaniel Clark hath been a 
real enemy to the peace and prosperity of this people, 
and hath, by lying and false information to the late gov- 
ernor, caused much trouble and damage to this place^ 
endeavored to deprive us of our lands, and exposed us 
to the unjust severity of persons ill affected to us. 
whereby a considerable part of our estates is unright- 
teously extorted from us, to the great prejudice of our 
families, and the loss of many necessary comforts, and 
he persisting, from time to time, in his malicious, 
forging, complaints against one or other of us, whereby 



16S6] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 16S 

we are in continual hazard of many further great in- 
conveniences and mischiefs. We do, therefore, seize 
upon his person, resolving to secure him for the hands 
of justice, to deal with him according to his demerit.^ 

The seizure of Clark, who was excessively odious 
for his meanness and rapacity, was the only act of vio- 
lence committed in the Plymouth colony. 

This year died at Duxhury, John Alden, one of 
I the pilgrims of the Mayflower, and believed to have 
been, at the time of his death, the last surviving sign- 
er of the original compact of government, the last of 
the first exiled pilgrims. He had been, for many years, 
deeply engaged in the public concerns of the colony. 
An assistant as early as 1633, he was continued in that 
office, with but few interruptions, until the time of his 
death. He was born in England in 1597, and died at 
the age of eighty-nine. After the death of Captain 
Standish, he was for some time treasurer of the colony. 
He possessed much native talent, ' was decided, ar- 
dent, resolute, and persevering, indifferent to danger, 
a bold and hardy man, stern, austere, and unyielding, 
of exemplary piety and of incorruptible integrity, an 
iron-nerved puritan, who could hew down forests and 
live on crumbs. He hated innovations and changes, 
steadily walked in the ways of his youth, and adhered 
to the principles and habits of those whom he had 
been taught to honor. The uncertainty of his claim 
to the honor of being the first to leap on the Plymouth 
rock has been noticed, page 31, and the tradition 
respecting his good fortune in obtaining the hand of a 
lady, whom he was commissioned to solicit for his friend 
Captain Standish, in page 112. 

John Alden married Priscilla Mullins, one of the 
female pilgrims, and from them are descended all who 
bear the name in the United States. His son, John, 
lived in Boston, and commanded the armed sloop of 
the Massachusetts, and is the John Alden who receiv- 
ed unwarrantable and abusive treatment, at the time of 



164 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [J686 

the Salem witchcraft.^ Joseph lived in Bridgevvater ; 
David, at Duxbuiy, of which town he was often a* 
deputy to the court. Jonathan occupied the paternal 
farm at Duxbury. A son of David Alden, whose name 
was Samuel, lived in Duxbury, and died at the age of 
ninety-three ; he was the father of Colonel Ichabod 
Alden, of the revolutionary army, who was killed by 
the savages at Cherry Valley, in 1778. One of Jona- 
than's daughters married Mr. Bass, of Braintree. One 
married William Peabody, one of the earliest settlers 
of Duxbury, a man much employed in public affairs, 
and of much respectability. One married Josiah, a 
son of the warrior. Miles Standish. The other mar- 

* Captain John Alden, of Boston, was sent for by the magistrates 
of Salem, upon tlie accusation of several poor, distracted, or possess- 
ed creatures, or witches. On his examination, these wretches be- 
gan their juggling tricks, falling down, crying out, and staring in 
the faces of people in an impudent manner. The magistrates de- 
manded of them several times who it was of all the people in the 
room that hurt them ; one of the accusers pointed several times to 
one Captain Hill, but said nothing, till a man standing behind her 
to hold her up, stooped down to her ear, when she immediately 
cried out, Alden, Alden afflicted her. Being asked if she had ever 
seen Alden, she answered no; but she said the man told her so. 
Alden was then committed to custody, and his sword taken from 
him, for they said he afflicted them with his sword. He was next 
sent for to the meeting-house by the magistrates, and was ordered 
to stand on a chair to the open view of all the assembly. The ac- 
cusers cried out that Alden pinched them when he stood on the 
chair ; and one of the magistrates bade the marshal hold open his 
hands, that he might not pinch those creatures. Mr. Gidney, one 
of the justices, bid Captain Alden confess, and give glory to God. 
He replied, he hoped he should always give glory to God, but nev- 
er would gratify the devil. He asked them why they should think 
that he should come to that village to afflict persons that he had 
never seen before ; and appealed to all, and particularly challenged 
Mr. Gi'lney to produce a charge against his character. Mr. Gid- 
ney said he had known him many years, and had been to sea with 
him, and always believed him to be an honest man; but now he 
saw cause to alter his opinion. Alden asked Gidney what reason 
could be given why his looking upon him did not strike him down 
as well as the miserable accusers ; but no reason could be given. 
He assured Gidney that a lying spirit was in his accusers, and that 
there was not a word of truth in all they said of him. Alden, how- 
ever, was committed to jail, where he continued fifteen weeks, 
when he made his escape. 



i 



l6S9] history of Plymouth. 165 

led Samuel Delano, a son of the early pilgrims. 
Mrs. Bass was a maternal ancestor of two Presidents of 

he United States, John Adams and John Q. Adams. 
i.VIany excellent citizens may be enumerated among 
the descendants of John Alden. Judah Alden, Esq. 
who possesses the paternal domain of his great an- 
cestor, at Duxbury, was a valiant officer in the Ameri- 
can army during the eight years of the revolutionary 
struggle, and is now president of the Massachusetts 
Society of Cincinnati. 

The Rev. Timothy Alden, late Minister of Yar- 
mouth, and his son, Timothy, now president of Mead- 
ville college, in Pennsylvania, were of this descent. 

1687. — The town voted the price of grain as 
follows ; wheat four shillings, rye and barley three 
shillings, Indian corn 2s. 6d. the bushel. Tar was 
made in great abundance, and disposed of in payment 
of salaries. Shingles and clapboards were considerable 
articles of traffic ; but furs and peltry were the 
principal, as in all new countries. In town meeting, 
January 23d, was read an order from his excellency, 
(Andros) requiring the town of Plymouth to appear 
before his excellency to substantiate their title to 
Clark's Island. The town firmly resolved to defend 
their right to said island to the utmost of their power, 
and chose a committee to act accordingly, and voted 
that the town will defray the expense, and a tax of ten 
pounds in silver money was ordered forthwith for that 
purpose. 

1689, June22d. — It was agreed to make sale of 
Clark's Island, Saquish, the Gurnet, and a certain cedar 
swamp called Colchester swamp, to help defray the 
above mentioned charges. Clark's Island was sold to 
Samuel Lucas, Elkanah Watson, and George Morton, 
in 1690. At that period, under the government of 
Andros, the titles to real estate were frequently called 
in question throughout New England, by which many 
individuals were grievous sufferers. 



1^^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1690 

The general court of election assembled at Plv-' 
mouth as formerly, and on the first Tuesday of June' 

w^ir™^^-o^^"^''^^^ ^vas again elected governor, and 
William Bradford deputy governor. 

1690.— The colonial government appointed the 
lollowing persons as agents to apply to the English i 
government for a charter :— Sir Henry Ashurst i 
Rev. Increase Mather, and Rev. Ichabod Wiswall' 
mmister of Duxbury. In February the town of 
Plymouth voted their acceptance of the three agents 
above mentioned, and also voted that it was their 
desire that the utmost endeavors be used to obtain a^ 
charter of his majesty, that we might be and continue* 
a government as formerly. Further voted, they would 
be held for their proportion of £500, and more, if 
need require, for that purpose, and at the same time 
agreed to raise their proportion of £200 in advance, 
to be sent to the gentlemen empowered as agents. It 
was known to have been in contemplation by the Ene;- 
hsh government to annex Plymouth colony to that of 
New York, but Rev. Mr. Mather has the credit of pre- 
venting that annexation taking place. In 169] the 
general court voted thanks lo Sir H. Ashurst. Rev. 
Mr. Mather, and Rev. Mr. Wiswall ; and to Sir H 
Ashurst a grant of 50 guineas, and Mr. Mather and 
Mr. Wiswall 25 guineas each for their services. A 
charter was at length obtained for Massachusetts, which 
was signed October 7, 1691, and Plymouth was annex- 
ed to it. Had the sum of £500 been raised and pro- 
perly applied, a separate charter would probably have 
been obtained. The last court of election was holden 
at Pb^mouth, in June 1691. Mr. Hinckley was re- 
elected governor, and William Bradford deputy gov- 
ernor Sir William Phipps, Kt. arrived at Boston, 
with the new charter, on the J 4th of May 1692 He 
was commissioned governor-in-chief in their Majesty's 
name William and xMary, and summoned a court on the 
«th ol June. The new province of Massachusetts Bay 



L692] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 167 

proceeded to exercise their charter authority, and the 
3malgamatioii of the two colonies was soon perfected. 
By the new charter, Plymouth colony was entitled to four 
counsellors. Those who were first elected were Thom- 
as Hinckley, William Bradford, John Walley, and Bar- 
nabas Lothrop. The qualification of electors accord- 
ing to that warrant was, ' a freehold of 40 shillings per 
ann. or other property of the value of £40 sterling.' 
The old general court, however, was summoned, and 
met at Plymouth on the first Tuesday of July, and ex- 
ercised their power for the last time, by appointing 
the last Wednesday of the following August to be kept 
as a day of solemn fasting and humiliation. Under 
the colonial government, William Paddy was, it is be- 
lieved, the first treasurer. Miles Standlsh succeeded 
him, and John Alden was chosen his successor, who 
held the office three years. Constant Southworth was 
elected in 1659, and held the office till his death in 
1679. The deputy governor, William Bradford, was 
then elected, and was continued by successive annual 
elections, until the termination of the government, ex- 
cepting during the administration of Andros. Nathaniel 
Souther is the first secretary whose name appears. 
Nathaniel Morton was secretary from 1645 to 1685. 
Nathaniel Clark was elected in 1685, but held the 
office one year only. In 1686, Samuel Sprague was 
elected, who, excepting the interruption in the gov- 
ernment during the time of Andros, held the office un- 
til the union of the colonies. It appears that some 
distinguished individuals were dissatisfied with the union 
of the two colonies, but Governor Hinckley was well 
reconciled to the measure, and it is clearly understood 
that the union was at no period a subject of regret with 
the people generally. Governor Hinckley sustained the 
office of governor for 12 years, and was in that office 
when the union took place. He died, according to the 
history of Massachusetts, in 1706, aged 73 years. But 
by Prince's chronology, it appears, that he lived to the 



168 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [169v 

age of 85, and this is probably correct, as Mr. Princi:] 
was his grandson. The children of governor Hinck- 
ley were one son Ebenezer, and five daughters, one o 
whom, Mary, was married in 1686 to Samuel Prince, 
of Sandwich, father of the chronologist. 

Governors of the colony of Plymouth from 1620 to 1692 

1620, John Carver, four months and 24 days. 

1621, William Bradford. 

1633, Edward Winslow. 

1634, Thomas Prince. 

1635, William Bradford. 

1636, Edward Winslow. 

1637, William Bradford. 
163S, Thomas Prince. 
1639, WiUiam Bradford. 

1644, Edward Winslow, 3 years. 

1645, William Bradford, 31 years. 
1657, Thomas Prince, 18 years. 
1673, Josiah Winslow, 7 years. 

1680 to 1692, Thomas Hinckley, 12 years, in- 
cluding several years' interruption by Andros. 

There is a melancholy grandeur in contemplating 
the extinction of this novel and primitive government, 
which was founded and continued in existence under 
circumstances without a parallel in the annals of histo- 
ry, for a period of seventy-one years, presenting to the 
world an illustrious example of sacrifices cheerfully made 
in behalf of the highest blessings, — christian and civil 
liberty and equality. 

Census of the town of Plymouth at early periods, 

1643, Males from 16 to 60 years, capable of bear- 
ing arms 146. 

1646, Freemen and townsmen (voters) 79. 
1670, Freemen, 51. 

1683 — 4, Freemen, 65. 
1689, Freemen, 75, 



1692] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 169 

1 cannot omit to introduce here the noble patriotic 
sentiments of the late excellent President Dwight, who 
expresses himself in the following eloquent language.* 
* Plymouth was the first town buiit in New England 
by civilized man ; and those by whom it was built were 
inferior in worth to no body of men, whose names are 
recorded in history, during the last seventeen hundred 
years. A kind of venerableness, arising from these 
facts, attaches to this town, which may be termed a 
prejudice. Still, it has its foundation in the nature of 
man, and will never be eradicated either by philosophy 
or ridicule. No New Englander, who is willing to in- 
dulge his native feelings, can stand upon the rock, 
where our ancestors set the first foot after their arrival 
on the American shore, without experiencing emotions 
very different from those which are excited by any 
common object of the same nature. No New Eng- 
lander could be willing to have that rock buried and 
forgotten. Let him reason as much, as coldly, and as 
ingeniously as he pleases, he will still regard that spot 
w^ith emotions wholly different from those which are 
excited by other places of equal or even superior im- 
portance. For myself, I cannot wish this trait in the 
human character obliterated. In a higher state of be- 
ing, where truth is universally as well as cordially 
embraced, and virtue controls without a rival, this pre- 
judice, if it must be called by that name, will become 
useless, and may, therefore, be safely discarded. But 
in our present condition every attachment, which is in- 
nocent, has its use, and contributes both to fix and to 
soften man.' Speaking of our ancestors, he says, ' But 

* President Dwight, formerly of Yale College, undertook a trav- 
elling excursion through New England and New York, at (he ear- 
ly part of the present century. He estimated the extent of his la- 
bors at 15,000 miles. In 1822, he published, in four octavo vol- 
umes, the result of his observations. On the subjects of antiquity 
he dwelt with unceasing enthusiasm, and his volumes are replete 
with historical, statistical, religious, moral and philosophical infor- 
mation, anU anecdote of unrivalled interest and utility. 
15 



170 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1692 

when I call to mind the history of their sufferings om 
both sides of the Atlantic, when I remember theiri 
pre-eminent patience, their unspotted pievty, their im-i 
moveable fortitude, their undaunted resolution, theiri 
love to each other, their justice and humanity to thei 
savages, and their freedom from all those stains vvhichl 
elsewhere spotted the character even of their com- I 
panions in affliction, I cannot but view them as illus- 
trious brothers, claiming the veneration and applause- 
of all their posterity. By me the names of Carver^ 
Bradford, Cushman, and Standish, will never be for- 
gotten, until I lose the power of recollection. * * * 

^ The instiiutions, civil, hterary and religious, by 
v^hich New England is distinguished on this side the 
Atlantic, began here. Here the manner of holding, 
lands in free soccage, now universal in this country, 
commenced. Here the right of suffrage was imparted i 
to every citizen, to every inhabitant not disqualified by 
poverty or vice. Here was formed the first establish- 
ment of towns, of the local legislature, which is called 
a town meeting, and of the peculiar town executive, 
styled the selectmen. Here the first parochial school i 
was set up, and the system originated for communicat- 
ing to every child in the community the knowledge oft 
reading, writing, and arithmetic. Here, also, the first . 
building was erected for the worship of God ; the first 
religious assembly gathered ; and the first minister call- 
ed and settled, by the voice of the church and congre- 
gation. On these simple foundations has since been 
erected a structure of good order, peace, liberty, know- 
ledge, morals and religion, with wliich nothing on this 
side the Atlantic can bear a remote comparison.' 



END OF PART FIRST, 



PART II 



We have proceeded thus far in narrating events and 
I incidents of the Old Colony and town in connexion, and 
shown that the primitive colonial charter and govern- 
?ment were abrogated in 1692. We now commence a 
I new epoch, and our future details will pertain to the 
town as a constitutent of the British Province of Mas- 
sachusejtts Bay, and after our Independence the moreno- 
i ble appellation of United States of America. 
! 1696. — A French privateer fitted out at Bourdeaux, 
cruising on the American coast, was wrecked in Buz- 
zard's Bay. The crew were carried prisoners to 
Boston ; the surgeon, Dr. Francis Le Baron, came to 
Plymouth, and having performed a surgical operation, 
and the town being at that time destitute of a physician, 
the selectmen petitioned the executive, lieut. governor 
Stoughton, for his liberation that he might settle in this 
town. This was granted, and he married and prac- 
tised physic here during life, but died in 1704, at the 
early age of thirty-six years. Dr. Le Baron did not 
relinquish the Roman Catholic religion, and was so 
strongly attached to the cross, that he never retired to 
rest without placing it on his breast. This constantly 
reminded the people of a religion which they abhorred, 
and which they were scarcely willing to tolerate in a 
single instance. He made a donation of ninety acres 
of wood land to the town. His son, Lazarus, studied 
medicine, and enjoyed an extensive course of practic* 
in Plymouth and its vicinity, and died lamented in ITTo- 



172 HISTORY OF PLYMOUrH. [1 7235 36-' 

aged 75 years. Two of his sons, Joseph and Laza«- ^ 
rus, were also physicians, both of whom, after residing ^ -^ 
a short period in the West Indies, died in Plymouth, asr ; 
did three other sons, and the only surv^ivor is Rev. r 
Mr. Lemuel Le Baron, minister of a church and so- •!!* 
ciety at Mattapoiset, (Rochester,) where he was or- 
dained in 1772. From this stock, all that bear the 
name of Le Baron in this country are descended, and ! ' 
they are numerous and respectable. ' 

170L — A canal, or water course, was f.ut, to convey 
the water from South Pond to the head of Eel River, 
about half a mile distant, the object being to form an 
artificial passage for alewives into the pond ; but the 
attempt proved unsuccessful. 'Elder Faunce was the 
leader in this project, and, as the water course crosses 
the road, we are, in passing, reminded of the venera- 
ble man whom we delight to remember. 

171 L — An attempt was made to form an oyster bed 
in Plymouth harbor. Oysters were procured and de- 
posited in a certain place, with the hope that they might 
be thus propagated ; but it was ascertained by the ex- 
periment, that the flats are left dry too long for their 
habit, which requires that they be covered at all times 
by water. 

June 13. — James Warren, Esq. died. He was tak- 
en suddenly ill as he was going to the general assem- 
bly. He was a gentleman of great integrity and ca- 
pacity, was sheriff of the county, and held other re- 
sponsible offices. His loss was universally lamented* 
He left a son, James Warren, of Plymouth. 

1722-3. February. — On a blank leaf under this 
date, we meet the following record, made by Elder 
Faunce, ' Was a dreadful storm, which raised the tide 
three or four feet higher than had been known afore- 
time.' This is the storm of which Cotton Mather gave 
an account to the Royal Society ; it was on the 24th 
of February. In the year 1770 was a similar tide ; 
and also about 1785, when it was level nearly with thQ 



738] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 17t 

3cks of the store doors on wharves, and a quantity of 
alt and other goods were damaged. 

1727. May. — Elizabeth Colson, a mulatto womar., 
vas executed at Plymouth, for the murder of her in- 
ant child. 

1730-31. — A mortal fever prevailed in Plymouth ; 
here was an instance of eight in the connexion of one 
family who died at that time. 

1731-2. — John Watson, Esq. expired Sept. 9, aged 
bout 53 years. He was a useful and respectable in- 
abitant of the town, transacted much business, and 
fforded employment to a great number of poor peo- 
le. He was charitably disposed, and supposed to pos- 
ess the largest estate of any person in the county. 
Mr. John Watson, son of the above, was a scholar 
land a gentleman. He died in January, 1753, at the 
early age of 37 years; and his wife having died before, 
they left three orphan children, two sons and a daugh- 
ter. One of the sons was the late John Watson, Esq. 
the second president of the Pilgrim Society. 

1737. — The following is the mark of a whale, left 
on record by Bejamin Rider. The said whale was 
struck by Joseph Sachemus, Indian, atManomet Ponds, 
the 25th of November, 1737. There were several 
irons put into her ; one was a backward iron on her left 
side, and two irons on her right side, and one lance on 
her right side. The iron on the left side was broke 
about six inches from the socket. She carried away 
one short warp with a drag to it, and a long warp 
with a drag without a buoy. One of the drag staves 
was made with white birch, &ic. 

J 738. — One Crimble was indicted at Plymouth for 
forging a bond, but for want of evidence, was only 
convicted for a cheats and was ordered to wear said 
bond, with a piece of paper over it. with cheat written 
thereon, and to stand on the court house steps half ar 
hour. 

15* 



174 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1749. 

This year square-toed shoes went out of fashion, and 
buckles began to be worn. 

1740. — A blacksmith working at his forge was spor-- 
lively beset by a young man, against whose jugular r, 
vein (it must have been the carotid artery) the smith 
unfortunately brought a hot iron, so that he bled to 
death in six minutes. 

1741._On the Sabbath, March 30th, the town off|i> 
Plymouth was alarmed, during divine service, by Joseph 
Wampum, a native, who gave information that eight 
Spaniards had landed at his house, situate four miles 
distant from Buzzard's Bay. War existed at that time 
between England and Spain. Tiiis notice therefore, 
justly excited an universal panic. The drums beat to 
arms, and the militia were ordered out. It proved 
how^ever to be a false alarm, and has ever been called 
Wampum's war. 

1745. — A full company of soldiers was this year en- 
listed in Plymouth for tlie expedition against Louisburg, 
and it was remarked, they were the first for that ser- 
vice who appeared at Boston, whence they embarked 
and served with credit on that memorable occasion. 
Sylvanus Cobb was tlie captain, and Dr. William 
Thomas, of this town, w^as surgeon in the expedition. 

1749. — A couit house was erected in Plymouth, 
near the first meeting house. The town gave £1000 
old tenor, on condition of having tlie privilege of using 
it for town meetings. It was planned by the late 
Judge Oliver, of Middleborough. The front door was 
originally at the east end, with a handsome flight of 
steps. When the door v/as altered a market place was 
made under the house. When the brick court house 
was erected, in 1818, die town of Plymouth pur- 
chased of the county, the old court house, which is 
now used for a town house. 

It should be gratefully recorded, that John Murdock, 
Esq. an eminent merchant, at his death, about 1750, 
gave £200 (o the poor, and to the school of the town, 



.750] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 175 

-n equal portions. Mr. Murdock was from Scotland, 
narried in this town about 1686, and again a second 
vife about the year 1719, Phebe Morton, a daughter 
)f John Morton, of Middleborough. An only daughter 
'Phebe) of this marriage, became the wife of WilHam 
ovvdoin, of Boston, a brother of governor Bowdoin. 
n intimacy subsisted many years between Mr. Mur- 
ock and the father of governor Bowdoin, who was in 
he habit of making him an annual visit at Plymouth. 
"wo of the oldest wharves in Plymouth were built by 
r. Murdock, one as early, perhaps, as 1691, at which 
eriod there were not more than three or four erected. 
1750. — Died in this town, Isaac Lothrop Esq., at 
the age of forty-three. He was one of the justices of 
the court of common pleas, and his death occasioned 
general gloom in the town and throughout the coun- 
ty. At the opening of the next court, May 15th, 
Nicholas Sever, Esq. chief justice and Peter Oliver, 
Esq. one of the justices of the said court, both ex- 
pressed from the bench the great grief and sorrow with 
which the court and bar were affected by the melan- 
choly event, and observed that colonel Lothrop was 
held in profound regard as 'a judge, and was- greatly 
respected for his moral and christian virtues. He pos- 
sessed a large estate, and transacted extensive business 
in the mercantile line, in which he sustained an hon- 
orable and upright character. Few men have been 
more affectionately beloved, nor any whose death could 
diffuse more heartfelt sorrow among the poor, and in 
every social circle. Mr. Lothrop left four children, 
Thomas, Isaac, Nathaniel, and Abigail. The following 
inscription is found on his tomb-stone. 

' Had virtues charms the power to save 
Its faithful votaries from the grave. 
This stone had ne'er possessed the fame 
Of being mark' J with Lothrop's name.' 

An excise act, laying a duty on wine and spirits con- 
sumed in private families, was passed, and governor 



176 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [175S 



I 



Shirley suspended his assent ; for which an address ; 
of thanks was voted to him by the town. 

1755. — Nov. 18, there was a terrible earthquake in , 
America ; the shock of which was the most violent 
that was ever known in the country. A spring in the 
northwest part of this town, in the public road, was 
shifted, it being, before that event, on the east side of 
the road ; soon after, it appeared on the west side, and ! 
so continues, an ever-flowing stream. Tinker''s Rock 
Spring w^as its ancient name ; the rock is blown up. 
This is the well-known spring about half a mile from . 
town, near Mr. Nelson's house. 

In 1758, the town chose a committee to devise a 
means of paving the public streets in Plymouth, but 
the project failed of success. 

The names of the two following gentlemen deserve 
to be recorded in this place. The Hon. Josiah Cot- 
ton was son of John Cotton, some time minister of 
Plymouth, and grandson of John Cotton, minister in 
Boston. He was born in Plymouth, Jan. 8th, 1679, 
and graduated at Harvard College in 1G9S, and became 
a teacher of a school in INIarblehead, in October fol- 
lowing, where he preached his first sermon, September, 
1702. In 1704, he discontinued preaching and re- 
turned to his native town, where he was a school in- 
structer for seven years. This respectable man held, 
at different times, several civil offices in the county, as 
clerk of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas, Justice of ^ 
the same court, Register of Probate, and Register of 
Deeds. He was also occasionally employed as a 
preacher to the Indians in Plymouth and the vicinity, 
having acquired a competent acquaintance with their 
language. He was the author of the Supplement to 
the New England Memorial. He left a Diary, which 
he began in his youth, soon after he left college, and 
continued nearly to the time of his decease. It is in 
the possession of his grandson, Rosseter Cotton, Esq. 
the present Register of Deeds for the county of Plym- 



i758] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 177 

imth. It contains many historical facts, which it would 
l^e desirable to have extracted and presented to the 
Massachusetts Historical, or to the Pilgrim Society, for 
hreservation. Mr. Cotton died in 1756, aged 76 years, 
leaving a numerous progeny. He possessed a strong 
lind sound mind, and was fervently pious, and indefati- 
gable in the discharge of all the duties of his various 
[md honorable stations in life. 

John Cotton, Esq. son of the above, was born April, 
ll712, graduated at Harvard College, 1730, and was 
brdained minister at Halifax, county of Plymouth, Oc- 
fober, 1736. From an indisposition, which greatly af- 
(fected his voice, he requested and received his dismis- 
kion in 1756. He succeeded his father in the office 
[of Register of Deeds, which he held until his decease, 
■which took place Nov. 4th, 1789, in the 78th year of 
his age. He was considered an able theologian, and 
his pulpit performances were much esteemed by judi- 
cious auditors. He was the author of the valuable Ac- 
count of Plymouth Church, appended to the sermon 
preached at the ordination of Rev. Chandler Robbins, 
in 1760. This account was republished in the 4th vol. 
of the Collections of the. Massachusetts Historical So- 
ciety, and has been resorted to by the author of the 
present work. He published, also, seasonable warnings 
to the churches of New England, and tracts on Infant 
Baptism, and several occasional sermons. He was 
chosen by the town, delegate to the convention for 
forming a constitution for the Commonwealth, in the 
year 1780, and was one of the committee for the coun- 
ty to draft the constitution. He left sons and daugh- 
ters. Josiah, the eldest, was the minister at Wareham, 
and afterwards a magistrate and clerk of the court for 
the county of Plymouth. He died April, 1819, aged 
71, leaving one son, who is a physician in the state of 
Ohio, and one daughter who is the wife of Isaac L. 
Hedge, Esq. of this town. Two other sons of John 



178 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1765." 

Cotton, are Rosseter, the present Register of Deeds 
for the county, and Ward, minister of Boylston. 

1761. March 12th. — Two shocks of an earthquakei 
were felt throughout New England. 

1764. — This year, the people in the New England i| 
Provinces began to manifest considerable alarm at the 
measures of the British administration, founded on their, 
claims to make laws, and levy taxes on the people with-»- 
out their consent. 

1765. — A Stamp Act being passed the British Par-- 
liament, the greatest excitement was created through- 
out the American colonies. The inhabitants of this 
town participated in the patriotic spirit, and resolved to > 
unite in the general opposition to the obnoxious meas- 
ure.* In town meeting, October 14th, it was voted to 
instruct their representative to the general court, to rep- 
resent the sentiments and feelings of the inhabitants as 
most decidedly opposed to any tax in the form of stamps 
or stamp acts, and to exert his influence against the ex- 
ecution of the stamp act. The instructions teem with 
patriotic ardor, calling to mind that they inhabit the 
spot wliere our ancestors founded an asylum for liberty,, 
' We likewise,' say the instructions, ' to avoid disgra- 
cing the memories of our ancestors, as well as the re- 
proaches of our own consciences and the curses of pos- 
terity, recommend it to you to obtain, if possible, 
in the honorable house of representatives of this pro- 
vince, full and explicit assertion of our rights, and 
to have the same entered on their public records, that , 
all generations yet to come may be convinced that we 
have not only a just sense of our rights and liberties, 
but that we never (with submission to Divine Provi- 
dence) will be slaves to any power on earth.' The 
stamp act was repealed January 16th, 1766. The 



* By this act a ream of ball bonds stamped would cost £100 ; a 
ream of common printed ones before was £15. A ream of stamp- 
ed pohcins of insurance was £190; of common ones, without stamps 
je20. 



I 



1769] HISTORY or Plymouth. 179 

■ own voted an address of thanks to the town of Boston 

for their patriotic measures in asserting and defending 

. the precious rights and liberties of our common coun- 

%769._On the 11th day of May there was a snow 
storm of twelve hours continuance. . 

. Old Colony a«6.-This year seven respectab e m- 
.dividuals, inhabitantsofPlymouth,institutedasocia club 

i which th^y styled as above. They elected an addition- 
al numberof members, and invited guests were adm. ted 
to their meetings. It was in this club that the custom 
of solemnizing the anniversary of the arrival of ou 
, forefathers first originated, and this was the pnncipal 
i obiect of its formation. I shall transcribe lor the 
enienainment of my readers, such parts of their 
records rs cannot fail of being acceptable. The late 
Isaac Lothrop, Esq. a zealous antiquarian, was then: 
president, and Captain Thomas Lothrop, secretary. 
^ January \olh, 1769.-' We whose names are under- 
written, having maturely weighed and seriously consid- 
ered the many disadvantages and inconveniences that 
arise from intermixing with the company at the taverns 
khi t^'n. and apprehending that a well regulated 
club will have a tendency to prevent the same and to 
increase not only the pleasure and happiness of the 
espect;e -embers, but, also, will conduce to their 
edficat on and instruction, do hereby .ncorporate our- 
selves into a society, by the name ol xh^ Old Colony 
Clnl For the better regulation of which we do con- 
sent and agree to observe all such r"les and laws as 
shall from time to time be made by the club Dated 
at our Hall, in Plymouth the day and year above writ- 

""■ Isaac Lothrop. John Thomas. 

Pelham Winslow. Edward W.nslow, Jr. 

Thomas Lothrop. John Watson. 
Elkanah Cushman. 



180 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [17G 

December 18th. — At a meeting of the club, voted 
that Friday next be kept by this club in commemo< 
ration of the landing of our worthy ancestors in thii 
place ; that the club dine together at Mr. Rowland's 
and that a number of gentlemen be invited to spenc i 
tloe evening with us at the Old Colony Hall. 
Aff^ Old Colony Day. First Celebration of the Landing 
W of our Forefathers. — Friday, December 22. The 
/v Old Colony Club, agreeably to a vote passed the 18th 
instant, met, in commemoration of the landing of their 
worthy ancestors in this place. On the morning of; 
said day, after discharging a cannon, was hoisted uponu 
the hall an elegant silk flag, with the following inscrip-- 
tion, ' Old Colony,' 1620. At eleven o'clock, A. M. . 
the members of the club appeared at the hall, and from i 
thence proceeded to the house of Mr. Rowland, inn- 
holder, which is erected upon the spot where the first 
licensed house in the Old Colony formerly stood ; at 
half after two a decent repast was served up, which 
consisted of the following dishes, viz. 

1, a large baked Indian whortleberry pudding ; 2, a 
dish of sauquetach, (succatach, corn and beans boiled 
together) ; 3, a dish of clams ; 4, a dish of oysters 
and a dish of cod fish ; 5, a haunch of venison, 
roasted by the first Jack brought to the colony ; 6, a 
dish of sea fowl ; 7, a dish of frost fish and eels ; 8, 
an apple pie ; 9, a course of cranberry tarts, and 
cheese made in the Old Colony. 

These articles were dressed in the plainest manner 
(all appearance of luxury and extravagance being 
avoided, in imitation of our ancestors, whose memory 
we shall ever respect.) At 4 o'clock, P. M. the mem- 
bers of our club, headed by the steward, carrying a 
foho volume of the laws of the Old Colony, hand in hand 
marched in procession to the hall. Upon the appearance 
of the procession in front of the hall, a number of de- 
scendants from the first settlers in the Old Colony drew 
up in a regular file, and discharged a volley of small arms, 



770] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 181 

ucceeded by three cheers, which were returned by the 
lub, and the gentlemen generously treated. After 
his, appeared at the priv^ate grammar school opposite 
he hall, a number of young gentlemen, pupils of Mr. 
iVadsvvorth, who, to express their joy upon this oeca- 
iion, and their respect ibr the memory of their ances- 
ors, in the most agreeable manner joined in singing a 
;ong very applicable to the day. At sunsetting a can- 
ion was discharged, and the flag struck. In the even- 
ng the hall was illuminated, and the following gentle- 
iien, being previously invited, joined the club, viz. 
Col. George Watson. Capt. Thomas Davis. 

Col. James Warren. Dr. Nathaniel Lothrop. 

' James Hovey, Esq. Mr. John Russell. 

"j; Thomas Mayhew, Esq. Mr. Edward Clarke. 
m William Wafson, Esq. Mr. Alexander Scammell. 
j Capt. Gideon White. Mr. Peleg Wadsworth. 

I Capt. Elkanah Watson. Mr. Thomas Southworth 
j Howland. 

The president being seated in a large and venera- 
ble chair, which was formerly possessed by William 
Bradford, the second worthy governor of the Old Colo- 
ny, and presented to the club by our friend Dr. Lazarus 
Le Baron, of this town, delivered several appropriate 
toasts. After spending the evening in an agreeable 
manner, in recapitulating and conversing-upon the ma- 
ny and various advantagesof our forefathers in the first 
settlement of this country, and the growth and increase 
of the same, — at eleven o'clock in the evening a cannon 
was again fired, three cheers given, and the club and 
company withdrew. 

1770, December 24. In pursuance of the determin- 
ation at their last meeting, for the purpose of celebra- 
ting this 24lh day of December (the 22d falling on Sat- 
urday,) in commemoration of that period which land- 
ed their progenitors safely on this American shore, af- 
ter having endured the persecution of enemies, the per- 
ils of an unknown ocean, the crosses of fortune, and 
16 



182 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [177 ' 

innumerable difficulties and hazards attending such era i 
igrants. 1 

The morning of the day gave such general joy ami 
satisfaction to their descendants in this place, that, not 
withstanding the severity of the season, as soon as ligh 
appeared a company of grateful youths paraded ou; 
streets, and, with cannon and volleys of small-arms 
aroused the town from its slumbers. At ten o'clock 
the members of the club, being joined by Messrs. Al- 
exander Scammell and Peleg Wadsworth, B. A., as- 
sembled at the house of Mr. Howland, an innholder ir 
Plymouth, and at twelve, were joined by the following 
gentlemen, viz. Thomas Foster, James Hovey, George 
Watson, and James Warren, Esqrs., Captain Elkanah 
Watson and Doctor Nathaniel Lothrop, of Plymouth, 
and the Hon. William Sever, Esq. of Kingston, where. 
after having amused themselves in conversation upon 
the history of emigrant colonies, and the constitution 
and declension of empires, ancient and modern, they 
were served with an entertainment, foreign from all 
kind of luxury, and consisting of fish, flesh, and vege- 
tables, the natural produce of this colony ; after which, 
the company being increased by Edward Winslow, Esq.,. 
Doctor Lazarus Le Baron, William Watson, Esq... 
Thomas Mayhew, Esq., Deacon John Torry, Captainn 
Theophilus Cotton, Captain Abraham Hammett, Mr. 
Ephraim Spooner, and Mr. John Crandon, a numberri 
of toasts were drank, grateful to the remembrance off' 
our ancestors, and loyal to those kings, under whose in- 
dulgent care this colony has flourished and been pro- 
tected. From which house, the club, together with 
the before mentioned gentlemen, being escorted by a 
select company, well skilled in the military arts, walked i 
in decent procession to Old Colony Hall, in the course 
of which they were met, and attended upon, by a com- 
pany of children from the age of five to the age of' 
twelve, whose natural ingenuity and the care and at- 
tention of their master, hath rendered them almost per- 



770] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 183 

ict military disciplinarians, a scene that excited the 

dmiration of every spectator. Upon their arrival at 

.16 door of the hall, the whole company entered the 

aom, being introduced by the steward and comph- 

lented by the club, and the escort, by whom was per- 

ormed a variety of manoeuvres and firings, to the great 

atisfaction of every person present.* When the sun 

lad set, and the military gentlemen had dispersed, the 

31d Colony flag was struck, the cannon fired, and the 

company in the hall were joined by the Rev. Chand- 

er Robbins, pastor of the First Church of Christ in 

Plymouth. 

In order to remind us of the debt of gratitude w^e 
owe to our God, and to our ancestors, the following 
words were spoken, with modest and decent firmness, 
by a member of the club. (Edward Winslow, Jr. Esq.) 
' When I recollect, that about one century and a half 
since, a few worthies on the Island of Great Britain, 
persecuted and tormented by the wicked aspiring 
great, for thinking freely, and for acting with the same 
dignity and freedom with which they thought, although 
their sentiments and conduct were conformed to the 
laws of the society in which they lived, contrary to the 
common cause of suffering humanity, wdiich frequent- 
ly sinks in proportion to the power exerted against it, 
did dare, in defiance of their persecutors, to form 
themselves into one body for the common safety and 

* Peleg Wadsworth was a native of Duxbury, graduated at Har- 
vard, 1769. He was for many years a respectable teacher of a 
grammar school in this town ; and in 1775, when minute compa- 
nies were formed, and the manual exercise arrested general atten- 
tion, lie devoted much of his time to the instruction of young men 
in the use of fire-arms, and instilling into the minds of youth a true 
sense and value of liberty and freedom. He was at some period of 
the revolutionary war in military service, and in 1780 appointed to 
the command of a detachment of slate troops, in Camden, state of 
Blaine. In this situation he was assaulted and captured by the 
British, under circumstances of peril and suffering almost unprece- 
dented. — See President Dwighfs Travels, and Thatcher's Mili- 
tarv Journal, 



184 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [l77Ci 

protection of all, an engagement, which though found-l] 
ed on the true and genuine principles of religion and< 
virtue, unhappy experience taught them was too weafckl 
and insecure a barrier against the arts and straiagemsi: 
of such potent adversaries. When we recollect that,t 
under these melancholy circumstances, having no* 
other resort to preserve the purity of their minds, they\ 
abandoned their native country, their friends, their 
fortunes, and connexions, and transported themselves 
to the city of Leyden, with the most sanguine hopes 
of a protection which the Island had refused to afford 
them. When we recollect that persecution, from 
another quarter, rendered their situation in the slates of 
Holland equally as perplexed and disagreeable, — how 
am I astonished that such repeated disappointments » 
had not rendered them too weak ever to make another 
attempt. But when we view them rising from their 
misfortunes with tenfold vigor, and, upon the same 
virtuous principles, crossing the Atlantic with the dear- 
est companions of life, their wives, their helpless 
offspring, exposed to tlie roughness of the ocean, to the 
inclemencies of the climate, and all their attendant 
evils, and landing in the tempestuous month of Decem- 
ber upon an unknown shore, inhabited by men more 
fierce than beasts of prey, and scarce deserving to be 
called human, natural enemies to their virtue and 
morality, with whom they are obliged to wage an 
immediate and unequal war for tlieir defence and 
safety. When we view them, under all the disadvan- 
tages naturally attendant upon a state of sickness and 
poverty, defending themselves against savage cruelties, 
and still persevering in their virtuous resolutions, estab- 
lishing their religion in this dien desert, forming a code 
of laws wisely adapted to their circumstances, and 
planting a colony which, through divine goodness, has 
flourished and become an important branch of that 
body which caused their emigration, — how am I lost in 
amazement 1 And to what cause can we ascribe these 



l-I^O] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 185 

deliverances and salvation but to that Almighty Being 
who orders all events for the benefit of maiikind, 
whose ways are to us unsearchable, and whose doings 
are past our finding out. 

. < Upon a recollection of all these things, it is not to 
*,e wondered, that we the sons and descendants from 
isuch illustrious ancestors, upon this 22d of December, 
' assembled upon the very spot on which they laiided 
do commemorate this period, the most important hat 
the annals of America can boast, a period whic.i, 1 
, doubt not, every person here present esteems an hon- 
or, as well as his incumbent duty, gratefully to remem- 
Iber; and while we feel for the misfortunes and 
1 calamities of those, our pious ancestors the consequen- 
i ces of which to us are so delightful and glorious, let lis 
' also admire and adore their virtue, their patience, theit 
fortitude, and their heroism, and continue to commemo- 
rate it annually. This virtue is undoubtedly rewarded 
with joys which no tongue can utter, nor hath ,t entered 
into the heart of man to conceive; and if we their 
sons act from the same principles, and conduct with 
the same noble firmness and resolutions, when our 
holy religion or our civil liberties are invaded, we may 
exoect a reward proportionate ; for such principles 
Ser the soul tranquil and easy under all the misfor- 
tunes and calamities to which human nattire '« exposed 
and of him who is possessed by them, the poet with 
propriety says, 

" Should the whole frame of nature round liim breal<, 
In ruin and confusion hurled. 
He unconcerned, would hear the mighty crack, 
And stand secure amidst a falling world. 

The evening was concluded by singing a song com- 
posed by Mr. Alexander Scammel.* 

• 16* 



1861 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1771 

1771. — December 20. At an occasional meeting,' 
Alexander Scammel, M. A. was, by his desire, unani- 
mously voted in as a member of the club. 

December 2Sd. The 22d falling on Sunday, the club^, 
voted to celebrate Foreiather's Day on Monday the 23di] 
In the morning a cannon was discharged and the fla^' 
hoisted on the hall. At noon, the club being joined by 
a number ofthe most respectable gentlemen in town, met 
in a spacious room at the house of Mr. Wethrell, inn- 
holder, where they partook of a plain and elegant enter- 
tainment, and spent the afternoon in cheerful and 
social conversation, upon a variety of subjects peculiar^ 
ly adapted to the time. At sunset, upon a signaF 
given by the discharge of cannon and striking the flag, 
the members of the club, witli the gentlemen of the 
town, repaired to the hall, where the aforesaid sub- 
jects were resumed, and several important matters, 
relative to the conduct of our ancestors, were discuss- 
ed with freedom and candor, and a number of pleasing 
anecdotes of our progenitors were recollected and 
communicated by some of the aged and venerable 
gentlemen who favored us with their company. 

An uncommon harmony and pleasantry prevailed 
throughout the day and evening, every person present 
exertmg himself to increase tlie general joy. The 
Old Colony song, with a number of others, was suno- 
after which the company withdrew. ^' 

A letter from the Rev. Mr. Robbins was communi- 
cated by the president, and is as follows : 

'Plymouth, December 2^, 1771. 

Gentlemen : 1 am told it was expected by some, 
that as the anniversary of our forefathers' arrival in 

f^l'A ^^?T ^'^^\ °^ 1°'^ '^°^"' September 30th, 1781, he re- 
ccived a fatal wound, and was captured by the British He died 
m^the cay of Williamsburg, Virginia, wheJ^ is a monumental ta^ 

Which conquering armies, from their toils return'd, 
Kear d to his glory, while his fate they mourned.' 

Humphreys. 



1771] 
bis pi 
aken : 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 187 



„ia place fell on the Sabbath past, I would have 
laken some public notice of it in the pulpit. I must ac- 
-nowledge I think there would have been a great 
Propriety in it, and I am very sorry it was entu'ely out 
)f my mind that that was the day, till I was reminded 
of it to-day ; otherwise 1 should certainly have taken 
notice of it, and attempted to say something suitable to 
'he occasion ; however, it is past now ; but I would on 
this occasion, if it would not be esteemed assuming 
in me, humbly propose to the gendemen o your 
society, whether it would not be agreeable, and serve 
for the entertainment and instruction ot the rismg 
e-eneration, more especially for the future, on these 
anniversaries to have a sermon in public some part oi 
the dav, peculiarly adapted to the occasion, wherein 
should be represented the motives that mduced them 
to undertake such an enterprise, the amazing dangers 
and difficulties they conflicted with and overcame, the 
piety and ardor with which they persevered through 
numberless discouragements and opposition— the time, 
manner, and other circumstances of their first arrival,— 
with all the train of surprising events that ensued,-- 
the appearances of the divine providence and good- 
ness ior them, the noble and God-like virtue with 
which they were inspired, so worthy the imitation oi 
their posterity, U^. &c.— with many other things that 
would naturally fall in upon a discourse of this kind. 
I mention this, gentlemen, the more freely, because 1 
remember it was spoken of in conversation by some 
of the o-entlemen of your company the evening ot the 
last anniversary. I do hut propose the thing, gentle- 
men for your consideration this evening, and it it 
shou'ld prove agreeable, I would beg leave to suggest 
one thing further, viz. that the minister to preach the 
sermon be chosen by your society somewhere within 
the Old Colony, and I doubt not any gentleman whom 
you should choose for that purpose would very wilhng- 
ly consent, in order to encourage so good a design. 



188 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1772; 

^ And now, gentlemen, I rest assured that your can-- 
dor and generosity Is such, that you will not construe} 
what I have offered in an unfavorable light, either as5 
being dictatorial, or seeming to desire myself the office ) 
of speaker on such occasion, which 1 can sincerely 
say is far from being true. I propose it for the in- • 
struction and entertainment of ourselves and posterity. 
The plan, if it should be agreeable, would afford us 
opportunity to hear these matters discoursed on by a 
great variety of ministers, who would doubtless take 
pains to furnish themselves with entertaining and' 
useful materials for the occasion. And for this end, 
if they were appointed at each anniversary for the 
next year, they would have so much the better oppor- 
tunity to prepare. Submitting the matter to your 
consideration, I am, gentlemen, with much regard,' 
' Your friend and very humble servant, 

'Chandler Robbins.' 

Voted, that Messrs. Pelham Winslow, Edward Wins- 
low, Jr. and Alexander Scammel, should be a commit- 
tee to prepare an answer to the above letter, w^hich 
they are to lay before the club as soon as may be. 

1772. — January 1th. Messrs. Pelham Winslow, 
Edward Winslow, and Alexander Scammel, the com- 
mittee chosen the 23d December, reported an answer 
to the Rev. Mr. Robbins' letter, which was approved, 
and accordingly forwarded by the club, and is as 
follows : 

Rev. and respected Sir : We have carefully perus- 
ed the contents of your letter of the 23d inst., but before 
we proceed to a particular answer thereto, we think it 
necessary to observe, that the members of this society, 
(who weekly meet together for the mutual advantage of 
each other, to enjoy the refined pleasures of social and 
unrestrained conversation, unalloyed with the disputes 
and contentions of parties) having taken into considera- 
tion, that the celebrating certain days of each year, 



;772l HisToiir OF Plymouth. 189 

Lon which any remarkable event or extraordinary 
ransaction had happened, is a practice which has the 
•anction of antiquity for its justification, finding Irequent 
nstances of it in sacred as well as profane, in ancient as 
Well as modern history, not only among nations, states 
and churches, but even in particular societies and cor- 
«orations,-we were not a little surprised, tliat au event 
L important and glorious in its consequences as the 
landing of our ancestors in this place, should be totally 
neglected by their descendants ;-consKler„,g further, 
that the assembling a number of persons of different ages, 
for the purpose of commemorating this t™/;/ remarkable 
period, would have a natural and direct tendency to in- 
troduce subjects for conversation re ative to our illus- 
trious proaenitors and die history of our country, the 
aged u'pon those days would with freedom communt- 
cate to the youth those circumstances ^^fh had hap- 
pened within their memories, and those also which had 
been casually related to them by their .P'-edeoessors ; 
by these means many pleasing and curious anecdotes 
of our pious forefatliers, which have escaped the pens 
of historians, would be snatched from obhvion and de- 
scend to posterity ; and while we, with pleasure and 
graUtude, were recollecting and admh-ing their virtues, 
&pati nee, their piety, their heroism, and their for- 
litudi, we might be incited to follow their worthy ex- 

'" fese, sir, were the principal motives by which we 

were actuated, (wliatever the malice and envy of some 

mi-ht suggest to the contrary, when we proposed o 

cfebrate this anniversary, and we were pleased w£ 

the expectation of being oined by many of the 

re pectlble members of the Old Colony ; and (f om a 

consciousness of the rectitude of our intentrons, and the 

benefit that might result to us and others from this m- 

stkutn,) we flattered ourselves that --t - -.rend 

gentlemen of the clergy would give a sanction to .t, by 

honoring us with their presence. 



190 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [17721 

' Our expectations have been, in part, answered, andl 
we esteem ourselves under the greatest obligation to i 
you, sir, for proposing a mode of celebration for the 
future, so exactly correspondent with our most san- 
guine wishes and expectations, as that of having a ser- 
mon preached on this solemn, as well as important oc- 
casion." We concur with you " that it would be agree- 
able, and serve for the entertainment and mstruction of 
the rising generation ;" and we are of opinion that the 
motives and inducements of our religious forefathers 
for undertaking so dangerous an enterprise as tlie settle- 
ment of this colony, the amazing difficulties they en- 
countered and overcame, the true vital piety and ardor 
with which they persevered, their sincere desire to ad- 
vance the christian religion, and other their noble and 
godlike virtues, are subjects that ought to be minutely 
discussed, and solemnized by the sacred oratory of the 
pulpit. 

' We have endeavored to deserve the compliment 
which you have been pleased to pay us, construing 
your letter " with generosity and candor." We neither 
esteem it "dictatorial," nor as *' desiring yourself the 
office of speaker on the occasion." 

' We have impatiently waited for a proposal of this 
kind to be made to some gentleman of the clergy by 
persons whose ages and situations in life have given 
them greater influence than ourselves, but it has been 
hitherto omitted ; we would modestly request (as you 
are the pastor of the first church that was gathered in 
the Old Colony, have the greatest advantages and op- 
portunities for collecting all the historical facts and oth- 
er materials tliat may be necessary for this work, and 
in every other respect are peculiarly qualified there- 
for) that you would, upon the ensuing anniversary, pre- 
pare and deliver a discourse " suitable to the time ;" 
and, in complying with this our request, we trust that 
you will not only render a singular service to the pub- 
lic, but will oblige many of the respectable inhabitants 



r72] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 191 

^ of the Old Colony, and, in particular, the members of 
this society. We are, with the most unfeigned respect 
and gratitude, 

' Your sincere friends and obedt. servants, 

'The Old Colony Club. 

'From Old Colony Hall, December 31, 1771. 
' Rev. Chandler Robbins.' 

1772. December \bih. — At a meeting, voted that 
William Watson, Esq., Capt. Elkanah Watson, Dr. 
Nathaniel Lothrop, Capt. Gideon White, Dr. Lazarus 
Le Baron, Thomas Foster, Esq., George Watson, 
Esq. Edward Winslow, Esq., Thomas Mayhew, Esq., 
James Hovey, Esq., Deacon John Torrey, and James 
Warren, Esq., be invited to Old Colony Club on 
Wednesday evening next, then and there to join the 
Club in proposing a method of celebration of the next 
22 d of December. 

December 16, at a meeting, present, Pelham Wins- 
low, John Thomas, Edward Winslow, Cornelius 
White, Thomas Lothrop, Elkanah Cushman, John 
W^atson, Thomas iMayhew^ 

Thomas Foster, James Hovey, George Watson, 
James Warren, ThomasMnyhew, William Watson, Esq., 
Capt. Gideon White, Dr. William Thomas, Dr. Nathan- 
iel Lothrop, by invitation, 

Voted by the Club and the above gentlemen, 

1. That a committee be chosen from among the 
members of this Club, to' wait on the Rev. Mr. 
Robbins, and inform him that it is expected by the 
gentlemen of this place, that he will gratify the public 
by complying with the request of this Club, made in 
their letter to him dated the 31st, of December, A. D. 
J 771, 'to preach a sermon on the ensuing anniversa- 
ry,' and that (if it be agreeable to him) to begin the 
services at half after ten o'clock in the forenoon. 

2. That the company, together with such other 



192 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [177^, 

gentlemen as may join us from the neighboring towns, 
dine together at the house of Mr. Howland, in Ply- 
mouth. 

3. That the gentlemen of the clergy belonging tO) 
this town, together with those who may be here fromi 
the other towns, be invited to dine with the company 
at Mr. Rowland's. 

After the company withdrew, 
Voted by the Club, that Pelham Winslow, John 
Thomas, and John Watson, be a committee to wait 
on the Rev. Mr. Robbins for the purpose mentioned in 
the beforegoing vote of the company ; and that they 
also request of Mr. Rol)bins, that he would, on the 
Sabbath preceding the anniversary, notify his church 
and congregation of our intention to celebrate the said 
day. And that they also wait on the Rev. Mr. 
Bacon, and make the same request to him. And they 
are to make report of their doings to this Club on Mon- 
day at 11 o'clock A. M., to which time this Club is 
adjourned. 

December 22. — Upon this 22d day of December, 
(to show our gratitude to the Creator and Preserver of 
our ancestors and ourselves, and as a mark of respect 
most justly due to the memories of those heroic chris- 
tians, who on the 22d of December, 1 G20, landed on 
this spot,) the members of this Club joined a numerous 
and respectable assembly in the meeting house of the 
first parish in Plymouth, and, after an hymn of praise 
and prayer to God, the Rev. Mr. Chandler Rob- 
bins delivered an historic and pathetic discourse, from 
these words ; * For he established a testimony in Jacob, 
and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded 
our fathers, that they should make them known to 
their children, that the generations to come might know 
them, even the children tvhich should be born : who 
should arise and declare them to their children, that 
they might set their hope in God, and not forget the 
works of God, and keep his commandments.' 



1773] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 19S 

In which, after enumerating many of the virtues of 
our predecessors, he recounted their toils, their hazards, 
and their troubles in their various attempts to shun the 
horrors of a despotic power, and the curses of an ec- 
clesiastical tyranny, and to obtain a land wherein they 
might enjoy their religion in its purity, and peace of 
conscience. This sermon closed with an address to 
the audience, which did honor to humanity and him- 
self ; and, by the profound silence and solemn attention 
which prevailed throughout this vast collection of peo- 
ple, of all ages, he must have had the pleasing satis- 
faction of concluding that he had not spent his strength 
for nought. The New England hymn, composed by 
Doctor Byles, sung with uncommon melody, finished 
the exercise. 

That cheerfulness, (the never-failing companion of 
grateful christians,) might reign among us, the members 
of the club, together w^ith the reverend gentlemen of 
the clergy, and others, the most respectable of the con- 
gregation, repaired to the house of Mr. Howland, where 
a table was spread and abundantly furnished with the 
various productions of this now fruitful country, at 
which the honorable general John Winslow presided. 
After partaking of these bounties, and spending a few 
hours in the most social conversation upon the history 
of our country, the adventures of our ancestors, &:c. 
subjects at this time peculiarly pleasing, the company 
proceeded to Old Colony Hall, where the same socia- 
bility and harmony prevailed throughout the evening. 

January 6th. — Voted by the club and the gentlemen 
present, that the Rev. Charles Turner, of Duxbury, be 
invited to pi:each the next anniversary sermon, and 
that Pelham Winslow, Thomas Loihrop, John Thomas, 
and Edward Winslow, be a committee to draft a letter to 
that gentleman ; and that the same committee write a let- 
ter of thanks to the Rev. Mr. Robbins, for his sermon on 
the 22d ult., and request a copy thereof; — the com- 
mittee to make report the next club night. Rev. -Mr. 
17 



194 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [17735(11 

Turner accepted the invitation to preach the anniver- 
sary sermon, and perfornfied that service Decemberr 
22d, 1773. 

The committee reported the following letter to the^ 
Rev. Mr. Robbins. 

' Old Colony Hall, January i'2>th, 1773. 
Rev. Sir : The members of this society, deeply im-- 
pressed with a sense of gratitude for your obliging com- 
pliance with their request to preach a sermon in com- 
memoration of die setdement of our ancestors in this 
place, beg leave to return our sincere thanks for your 
entertaining and instructive discourse of the 22d De- 
cember last, and in order to perpetuate the many per- 
tinent observations therein contained, would modesUy 
request a copy, that the rising generation may have a 
better opportunity of being benefited and instructed, 
which you justly observed, was the more immediate 
design of the discourse. We are with all due respect, 
your most humble servants. 

' Old Colony Club.' 
Answer. 
'■ Respected Gentlemen : Having just received your 
obliging favor, being from home when it was sent, I 
take this opportunity to acknowledge my obligations for 
your acceptance of my endeavors to gratify the mem- 
bers of your society and others, in the sermon you re- 
fer to. The subject is so well known and handled in 
the printed memoirs of those times, that a publication 
of the discourse seems needless, and I fear will never 
answer your expectations and the end you propose. I 
shall, however, not be averse to gratify your request 
for a copy, if it shall be judged any way likely to af- 
ford any entertainment to the rising generation, and ask 
the favor of a little further time to think of the affair. 
I am with much esteem, gentlemen, 

'Your humble servant, C. Robbins.' 

February 24th, — At a meeting, the following letter, 



1773] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 195 

'together with the anniversary sermon in manuscript), 
>vas this night received from the Rev. Mr. Robbins. 

' Plymouth,^ Feb. 23, 1773. 
' Friends and Gentlemen : Having considered your 
request to me for a copy of nay sermon, preached at 
the last anniversary, he, partly from the desire of 
others, who can never expect that benefit from the 
larger histories of those times which you, gentlemen, 
and many others may enjoy ; but, chiefly, in gratifica- 
tion of the request of your society, to whom I ac- 
knowledge myself under obligations for their candor 
and respect, 1 now present you a copy of said sermon, 
with liberty to make what use of it you shall think pro- 
per ; and am, gentlemen, with much esteem, your 
obliged friend and humble servant, C. Robbins. 
' The Old Colony Club: 

JVovember 24th. — At a meeting of the club, James 
Warren, Esq., Mr. John Torrey, and Mr. Thomas 
Jackson, came in and said, ' that they were a sub- 
committee (appointed by the committee of correspond- 
ence and communication of this town) for the purpose 
of informing this club of the determination of the said 
committee of correspondence relative to the celebra- 
tion of the next 22d of December, and to request that 
the club would join with and conform thereto.' Voted, 
that the consideration of this matter be adjourned to 
the next club night, and that then a written answer be 
prepared, and on the Monday night following, be pre- 
sented to the committee. 

December Isi. — At a meeting of the club. The 
committee chosen at tlie last club night to prepare an 
answer to the committee of correspondence, reported 
the following, wdiich, being read and considered, was 
accepted, and ordered to be recorded. 

* To the committee of communication and corres- 
pondence of the town of Plymouth. 

' Gentlemen : The Old Colony Club received your 



196 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1773^1 

message by your sub-commiltee, with your determina- 
tion in what way and manner the ensuing anniversary of 
the 22d of December shall be solemnized and celebrated, 
with a request that we would join with and conform there- 
to. We have fully, liberally, and candidly considered 
thereof, and in answer would observe, that this club 
are not, nor ever have been, anxious or desirous of 
taking the lead and direction, or marshalling and regu- 
lating, the public solemnities and particular rights and 
ceremonies of that important day, having always in- 
vited the gentlemen of the tow^n to a consultation 
previous to any determination, and having ever acted 
by and with the advice and consent of the gentlemen 
present, and not exparte, as may appear from the 
records of our proceedings on those occasions. Justice 
to ourselves, however, emboldens us to say, that, as 
we were the first institutors of this festival, and as no 
event has taken place to lessen our dignity or conse- 
quence as a club since the last anniversary, we have 
a right to be consulted on the manner of celebrating 
ft, whether the same be taken into consideration by 
the gendemen of the town, county, or colony. As 
gentlemen of the town, we will not dispute your right 
of acting in this matter, in conjunction with others, but 
as a committee of correspondence, &;c. (in which name 
and capacity you have accosted us) we absolutely 
deny your jurisdiction and authority. By the records 
of this town it appears, that you were chosen ' to com- 
municate and correspond with the town of Boston and 
other towns;' and in this business we would not 
interfere or molest you. But we apprehend that your 
contituents had no more idea or suspicion of your 
interfering in these matters, (as a committee of corres- 
pondence,) than they had of your regulating or altering 
their creed, or their catechism. And it appears to us^ 
that you have just the same right to meddle with the 
one as the other, or, indeed, to determine any civil, 
religious, or military matter, that has or may arise 



1773] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 197 

within our town. This partial and extrajudical way 
of proceeding, we apprehend, will have a tendency to 
promote parties and divisions, (which have already too 
long harassed and convulsed this once peaceful town,) 
rather than that harmony and concord, so necessary to 
the welfare of all societies. 

' But should we admit your right of acting as a com- 
mittee of correspondence, we cannot suppose so great 
an absurdity as the counteracting your own vote and 
determination, without some sufficient reason. You 
must remember, that these matters were fairly discuss- 
ed and settled by the gentlemen of the town in gen- 
eral, and the members of this club, and that by and 
with the consent, approbation, and vote of a majority 
of the now members of your committee. For at a 
meeting of a large and respectable number of the gen- 
tlemen of this town with the club at Old Colony Hall, 
on the sixth day of January last, for the very purposes 
of adjusting and settling the matters relative to the 
celebration of the ensuing anniversary, among whom 
were a major part of your committee, it was unanimous- 
ly voted, ' that the club should write to the Rev. Mr. 
Turner, and request him to preach a sermon on the next 
22d of December, &z;c.' — In consequence of wiiich, the 
club wrote to Mr. Turner, and afterwards received 
his answer in the affirmative, (directed to the club,) as 
may also appear by our record. At the same meet- 
ing it was also moved, and agreed to, that, as the club 
were the original institutors, it was most proper for 
them to have the direction of the minute or lesser 
matters relative to the celebration. We are now, and 
always have been, ready and willing to concur with 
any measure which may conduce to the harmonious 
and agreeable celebration of this anniversary, in com- 
memoration of the landing of our forefathers in this 
place. We think it ought to be, and we hope it ever 
will be, kept and observed by the gentlemen of this 
town, county, and colony socially, and like a band 
17* 



198 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [17731 

of brethren, — nor would we contend for trifles orT 
punctilios. But your plan and proceedings, wiihouti^ 
advising with or consulting the other gentlemen of the/ 
town, or the club, appear to us so great an invasion of 
the liberty and privileges of the gendernen of the 
town of Plymouth, and the Old Colony Club, that we// 
cannot approve or comply with the same. 1 

'Dec. 1st, 1773.' 

December 8.— At a meeting of Old Colony Club, 

Voted, that the club, together with such gendemen as 
please to join them from this or the neighboring towns, ^ 
will dine together at Mr. Witherell's, upon the ensuing '^ 
anniversary, and that the clerk of this club send a copy of ^ 
this vote to the Rev. Mr. Turner and inform him that the 
club expect the pleasure of his company on that day. 

Voted, that the club and their friends will spend the 
anniversary evening at the hall. 

Voted, that the Rev. Mr. Bacon, and the Rev. Mr. 
Robbins, and all the social club, be invited to dine and 
spend the evening, as also such other gendemen of the 
clergy as may be in town. 

The reader cannot fail of being impressed with a 
sense of gratitude for the valuable reminiscences trans- 
muted by the Old Colony Club ; and it is a mattter of 
regret that its existence had not been protracted to a 
later period: but unfortunately, some of the members 
were attached to the royal interest and it was deemed 
expedient that the club, should be dissolved. 

This society possessed a library and museum. Of 
the respectable members not one now survives. 

Among their invited guests at various timeswe no- 
tice the following distinguished names, of high standing; 
m the political and fashionable world. 

John Adams, Robert T. Paine, Daniel Leonard, 
Col Thomas Oliver, Richard Leachmur, Nathan 
Cushing, Peleg Wadsworth, William Sever, Benja- 
mm Kent, Gen. John Winslow, and Dr. Charles 
btockbridge. 



•7731 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 19^ 

» 1770 JVonintercourse of English Goods. -^ A large 
^ proportion of the respectable merchants of Boston came 
- nto a nonintercourse agreement agamst Great liri- 
ain and sent circular letters to this and other towns 
br ' their co-operation. The town voted, March 
>6th that they will contribute all in their power to sup- 
3ort them in their laudable purpose of repelhng tyran- 
ny and oppression ; and voted the thanks of the town 
to the town of Boston for the firm and spirited opposi- 
tion which they have made to the tyrannical attempts 
of the British government to enslave our country, and 
that we will at all times assist them in such vigorous 
and constitutional measures as they sha 1 adopt for the 
preservation of our common rights. Voted also, that 
we will encourage and support the nonintercourse 
agreement, and will encourage frugality, industry, 
and the manufactures of our country, discouraging the 
use of foreign superfluities, particularly the article ot 
foreign tea. A committee of inspection was chosen 
to inquire, from time to time, if any person should di- 
rectly or indirectly contravene the above measures. 
Should any one be detected in importing goods, or ot 
purchasing of those who import, their names are to be 
rM pubUshed^in the newspapers, and to be reported to 
.1 I the next town meeting. It was at this period that gov- 
a 'i ernor Hutchinson, and his adherents, represented the 
s ' party in opposition to British measures as only an un- 
i V easy factious few in Boston, while the body of the peo- 
ple were quite contented. Mr. Samuel Adams was 
thereby induced to visit James Warren, Esq. of this 
town, who proposed to originate and estabhsh commit- 
tees of correspondence in the several towns of the co- 
lony, in order to learn the strength of the friends to the 
rights of the continent, and to unite and mcrease their 
force Mr. Adams returned to Boston, pleased with 
the proposal, and communicated the plan to his confa^ 
dams. The measure was adopted, and thus originated 
our committees of correspondence, so essentially ser 
viceable to our cause. 



200 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1773 

1772, JVovemher.—k town meeting was called bv 
desire of one hundred inhabitants, to take into considera- 
tion the alarming condition of our public affairs, occa- 
sioned by the violation of our rights and the repeated 
attacks made on our constitution by the British Parlia- 
ment. They enumerated among their grievances 
taxations without our consent, with extension of admi- 
ralty jurisdiction, with the quartering of soldiers in the 
town of Boston, the lawless insolence and murders they 
have commuted,* with the contemptuous and un- 
constitulional treatment of our general court from time 
to time, makmg the governor independent ofthe peo- 
ple, and many other grievances from the memorable era 
of the stamp act. A standing committee of communi- 
cation and correspondence, consisting of thirteen, was 
chosen to communicate freely with the town of Boston, 
and any other town on the subject of grievances, with 
liberty to apply to the selectmen at discretion to call town 
meetings. 

1773. DecmJer.—Parliament having passed an 
act enabling the East India Company in London to 
export their teas to America, subject to an unconstitu- 
tional tax or tribute, the town resolved, that the dan- 
gerous nature and tendency of importing teas as pro- 
posed, subject to a tax upon us without our consent, is 
alarming, and ought to be opposed. And further, that 
the persons to whom the said India company have con- 
signed their tea which they propose to send to Boston 
have, by their endeavoring to accept of and execute 
their commission, forfeited that protection every good 
citizen is entitled to, and exposed themselves and Their 
abettors to the indignation and resentment of all e;ood 
citizens That it is an affront to the common sense of 
mankind, and to the majesty of the people, who are, 
under Crod, the source from which is derived all power 
and majesty m every community, to assert, that any 

* Alluding to the massacre of 6th of March , 1770. 



1773] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 201 

neeting of the people to concert measures for their 
common security and happiness on every extraordina- 
ry and alarming occasion, is either unlawful or irregu- 
lar, since no legislature could be supposed to establish 
rules of conduct in such cases as no man could ever 
suppose would take place in a free and good govern- 
ment. That the late meetings of a very large and res- 
pectable body of the inhabitants of Boston and other 
towns, and their determination at said meetings rela- 
tive to the importation and reshipping of any teas that 
have or may be sent here subject to a duty on impor- 
tation, were both necessary and laudable, and highly- 
deserving the gratitude of all who are interested in, or 
wish the prosperity of America. 

It was voted that we are in duty and gratitude bound, 
not only to acknowledge our obligations to the body 
who composed that meeting, for that noble, generous, 
and spirited conduct in the common cause, but also to 
aid and support them in carrying their votes and re- 
solves into execution ; and we will, at the hazard of our 
lives and fortunes, exert our whole force to defend them 
against the violence and wickedness of all our common 
I enemies. 

It appeared to be the firm determination of the in- 
habitants of this town, that so long as a compulsory 
tone was assumed by the parent country, so long the 
tone of defiance ought to be maintained by the patriot- 
ic people of the Provinces. ' For oppression will make 
a wise man mad.' 

On Monday, 13th December, at the adjournment of 
the town meeting, Edward Winslow and others present- 
ed a protest against the resolves and proceedings of the 
last meeting, but the town voted not to have it read. 

1774. — The inhabhants of the town, animated by 
the glorious spirit of liberty which pervaded the Prov- 
ince, and mindful of the precious relick of our forefa- 
thers, resolved to consecrate the rock on which they 
landed to the shrine of liberty. Col. Theophilus Cot- 



202 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1774 , 

ton, and a large number of inhabitants assembled, withi 
about 30 yoke of oxen, for the purpose of its removal. ( 
The rock was elevated from its bed by means of larc^o 
screws; and in attempting to mount it on the carrint^c, 
it split asunder, without any violence. As no one had 
observed a flaw, the circumstance occasioned some sur- 
prise. It is not strange that some of the patriots of the 
day should be disposed to indulge a little in superstition, 
when in favor of their good cause. The separation of 
the rock was construed to be ominous of a division of 
the British Empire. The question was now to be decid- 
ed whether both parts should be removed, and being 
decided in the negative, the bottom part was dropped 
again into its original bed, where it still remains, a few 
inches above the surface of the earth, at the head of 
the wharf. The upper portion, weighing many tons, 
was conveyed to the liberty pole square, front of the 
meeting-house, where, we believe, waved over it a flag 
with the far-famed motto, ^ Liberty or Death.' 

1774. — At a town meeting, March 24th. As the 
committee of correspondence had not been altogether 
successful in preventing the sale of tea, it was resolv- 
ed that whoever continues to sell, or Rhall for the 
future expose to sale, in this town, any India tea, is, 
and ought to be considered as an enemy to the rights 
of America and the constitution of the country. And 
we will have no intercourse or dealings with such per- 
sons, till there be a change in the circumstances of the 
country which will justify such conduct, and that we 
will consider as inimical to this country, all those who 
shall have any dealings with them. 

August 15th, voted to return our sincere and hearty 
thanks to the town of Boston, for their patience and vir- 
tue under their present sufferings in the common cause 
of America, and also voted to choose a committee to 
collect all such sums of money, or articles that any per- 
sons will give in the town, for the support of the suffer- 
ing poor of said town of Boston, to enable them slill 



74 ] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 203 

o persevere with firmness and fortitude under their 
.ufFerings. Goods and provisions to a considerable 
iniount were contributed in this town for the poor in 
Boston on this serious occasion. 

Then voted, that whereas a certain publication in 
.he Massachusetts Gazette, of July 14th last, purport- 
ng to be the cordial congratulations of the Justices of 
:he Court of General Sessions of the Peace and Infe- 
rior Court of Common Pleas for the county of Plym- 
outh, to his excellency Thomas Gage, Esq. on his ap- 
pointment to the high office of first magistrate of this 
Province, &ic. contains injurious reflections on, and il- 
liberal insinuations concerning the body of the clergy, 
and the committees of correspondence in the several 
f towns in this Province, as if the said commissioners had 
assumed a title and business without the appointment 
of their several towns, and had been encouraged and 
supported by the clergy in an unjustifiable influence on 
the people, — We, the inhabitants of the town of Plym- 
outh, the shire town of said county, conceive it our du- 
ty to bear our testimony against said publication, its aid- 
ers and abettors, and therefore vote and resolve : 

1. That we ourselves, and we conceive by far the 
greater part of the country, have a great respect for the 
clergy in this province, and the conduct of a majority of 
them relative to the political circumstances of the coun- 
try. 2. That the committee of correspondence of this 
town, and we conceive those of the other towns where 
they subsist, were regularly appointed by their sever- 
al towns for very valuable purposes, and have answer- 
ed the expectations of their constituents, and are there- 
fore entitled to countenance and respect from all men 
and bodies of men. 3. That the solemn league and 
covenants entering into, appear to us calculated to in- 
crease the honor and dignity of the sovereign, to pro- 
mote the true interest of our parent country, and to 
restore the harmony of society. 

Sept. I9th, — Chose a committee of nine to watch 



204 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [177 



I 



: 






and make discovery of any one importing or selling 
tea, and report to the committee of correspondence. 
Afterwards added ten more to the committee, and en-^- 
joined the strictest vigilance. Chose James Warren, 
Esq. and Isaac Lothrop, Esq. representatives, and th 
following instructions were given : — ' Being apprehen- 
sive that the chief design of convening the gener- 
al assembly at this unusual season of the year, is to 
make trial whether we will, in whole or in part, submit 
to the late acts of parliament respecting this Province 
and it being our fixed sentiment that said acts are cruel 
unjust and oppressive, subversive of our most sacre 
rights, we cannot in conscience advise to the least sub 
mission, but on the contrary, expect and desire our said 
representatives to oppose"them to the utmost, in all prop- 
er ways and methods, strictly adhering to our charter 
rights and privileges : more particularly we enjoin them 
by no means to co-operate or act in concert with the 
new set of mandamus counsellors, whose appointment 
is founded on the destruction of our charter, which we 
hold sacred and inviolable in all its parts ; and no pow- 
er on earth has a right to disannul it, and God forbid 
that we should give up the inheritance of our fathers, 
or tamely submit to the efforts of despotism and the 
loss of freedom. And gentlemen, if in consequence of 
such opposition from you and others, the general assem- 
bly should be dissolved, or otherwise hindered from 
acting, we expect a Provincial Congress will be imme- 
diately formed, and that you will act as members of it; 
concerting such measures with our brethren of other 
towns, as will have the most effectual tendency to shake 
off the yoke of oppression, and prevent the operation 
of those acts of which we so justly complain.' A com- 
pany of minutemen was raised and provided for by the 
town, about this time. 

1775. January. — The awful crisis was evidently 
approaching, which should decide the momentous ques- 
tion whether the colonies were to be subjected to ab- 



I'hITTS] history of PLYMOUTH. 205 

■^tjfect slavery, or their unalienable rights and liberties 
feemed upon a substantial foundation. 
I The magnanimity with which the inhabitants of this 
i jown encountered the hazardous contest, was not sur- 
:: jassed by any in the province, and kw towns in J^ew 
■^et England were subjected to greater sacrifices. The 
■icr [jod fishery was almost the sole support of the town ; 
-M! ieventy-five schooners were employed in that service 
J3i. fn 1774, and it was well known that not a sail could 
lee 3ass from the harbor after the commencement of hos- 
tilities. The wealthiest merchants could anticipate 
lothing but the most mortifying embarrassments, and 
the poor could have no better prospect than starva- 
tion. 

James Warren, Esq. and Isaac Lothrop, Esq. were 
ichosen to represent the town in provincial congress, 
and the following were their instructions : — 

' Gentlemen : You are chosen to represent us in 
provincial congress, at a time when we not only suffer, 
in common with our sister colonies, the evil effects of 
! the tyranny of the British government, but when we 
I have to struggle with additional difficulties and embar- 
rassments peculiar to our situation here. Oppression 
has taken her principal residence, and is exerting her 
most strenuous efforts, aided and supported by manda- 
mus counsellors, commissioners of the customs with 



all their tools and dependants, as perhaps are not to be 
paralleled in any other country under heaven, and 
these backed by a large naval and land force fiom 
Great Britain, for the purpose of effectually subduing 
this province, and reducing us to a state of vassalage 
and abject slavery, — while we, embarrassed with diffi- 
culties arising from a want of the exercise of the pow- 
er of government, and by a suspension of executive 
justice, are unable to make any vigorous opposition. 
We are sensible of the many difficulties the congress 
have to encounter, and the important business they have 
to transact, and, among the rest, that very important 
18 



2^6 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1775' 

one of assuming the exercise and administration of 
civil government ; this we presume to be a part of their 
business, because important, and, as we think, absolute- 
ly necessary to be done, and therefore, instruct you to 
use your endeavors to effect it. We admire the pru- 
dence, the patience, and, in short, the remarkable vir- 
tue of the people of this province, which alone for 
lYiany months has supported that justice, peace, and 
good order, which has so generally prevailed ; but we 
dare not hazard the remaining any longer in such a 
situation: feeble must be our efforts and precarious 
our happiness, while the first rests only on recommen- 
dations, without the sanction and penalties of laws to 
enforce them, and the last is exposed to the interested 
malice and collective strength of our enemies, encour- 
aged by the weakness and temerity of some of our 
friends : we therefore, have thought it our duty, under 
rhese many and peculiarly difficult circumstances, to 
aid and assist you by our advice and instructions, and 
we do repeatedly enjoin it upon you, that, (unless you 
meet certain and undoubted intelligence that our griev- 
ances are or will immediately be redressed) you with- 
out delay unite your votes and influence for establish- 
ing a form of government as free, as stable, and vigor- 
ous, and in all respects as advantageous to the good 
people of this province as possible. That we may be 
able to defeat the designs of our enemies, and again 
sit down in peace and safety under our own vine and 
fig tree : leaving it, nevertheless, to your prudence and 
discretion, if any unforseen circumstance should take 
place, to act in such a way and manner as you shall 
think most beneficial to the interest of this province.' 
Then voted, to choose a committee of vigilance to 
watch the conduct of tories, he. It was voted to erect 
a fort on Cole's Hill, and great exertions were made to 
procure powder for the use of the town. Voted, that 
any person who shall fire at birds, contrary to the vote 
of the town, shall have their guns taken from them^ 



1775] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 207 

and their names entered on the list of offenders. The 
whole community was divided into two opposing polit- 

Iical parties, designated by the epithets of whig and 
tory. The whigs forming an immense majority, were 
the ruling party. The operation of the laws was sus- 
pended ; there was no efficient legal government, no 
legal tribunals in existence ; the selectmen of towns 
and committees of safety were voluntarily acknowl- 
edged as the paramount authority. Although every 
individual claimed unrestrained liberty, few enormities 
were committed. But the poor tories, however honest 
in their views, were subjected to peculiar hardships ; 
free liberty was not allowed to them. The modes of 
disciplining the tories were various and singular. The 
public authorities required a full recantation, and a de- 
claration to that effect was published with their signa- 
ilirres in the newspapers. Some of the papers were 
crowded with these tory acknowledgments. When 
the populace assumed mob authority, the offenders 
were subjected to the greatest indignity. In some pla- 
ces they adopted a novel mode, which they called 
smoking the tories, which was done by confining them 
in a room with a fire and the top of the chimney cov- 
ered. Sometimes a coat of tar and feathers was ap- 
plied. It was not uncommon to transfer the punishment 
to the man's horse, by cropping his ears and shaving 
his tail. This town was not encumbered with an over 
proportion of disaffected people. Some, indeed, there 
were, who for years had enjoyed the emoluments and 
benefits of the royal government, and were not yet 
convinced that the fountain had become corrupt, and 
that meandering streams, impregnated with the foulest 
ingredients, were undermining the blessed heritage of 
their fathers. They were not prepared to absolve their 
consciences from the duties enjoined by the holy axiom, 
^ Fear God, and honor the king.' Another portion of 
this class of people, stood aloof from the duties and 
proceedings which the great crisis required, not so muck 



208 HF STORY OF PLYMOUTH. [I775'r 

from unworthy or sinister motives, as from a timid andi 
pusilhmimons spirit, viewing tlic project of a wnrfaret 
with so potent an ant;i2;o!iist as an herculean hihor, far: 
exceeding tiie ahililies of those champions who had 
undertaken the tremendous experiment. They con- 
ceived that a single campaign would annihilate our ary 
my and resources, and all who appeared under thai 
colonial standard would fall a sacrifice, as traitors antft 
rehels. Ahout ton or twelve inhahitants of this tovvn'i 
were accused of hcing enemies to their country and 
were taken hy warrants and arraigned hefore the town 
for examination, but, on rendering satisfactory assur-- 
ance of peaceable behavior, were liberated. 

A few of the obnoxious royalists abandoned their na- 
tive town, but those who remained became peaceable 
citizens, and submitted to tho jreneral laws and pro- 
ceedings. Tiiere were, however, a few instances of 
the turbulent and incorrigible l)eing brought to the lib- 
erty pole, and compelled to subscribe to a recantation 
of sentiment. The town authority was not known to 
stain its reputation by any unjustifiable severities, or 
riotous proceedings. In one instance, however, an in- 
dividual received some severe discipline from indiscreet 
persons. A man by the name of Dunbar, brought to 
the market a beef ox, which it was discovered liad been 
slaughtered by a tory in town, who being a notorious 
ofFciider against the ruling parly, a number of persons 
assembled, enclosed Dunbar in the carcass, and lied 
the iripo round his neck, and he was, in that condition 
carted out of town. Subsequently to this cataslroplie, 
Dunbar had the imprudence to appear again, on horse- 
back. He was ordered to quit the town without delay, 
but, with a turbulent and obstinate air, he refused to 
obey. He was then lied on his horse, and escorted to 
some distance, during wliich he was so extremely out- 
rageous as to sulFer considerable injury, and at length 
a cart was procured, in which he was conveyed be- 
yond the limits of the town. 



1775] HlfeTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 209 

]. In one instance, the torles in Barnstable availed 
themselves of liberty-pole discipline. Mr. C. and sons 
ihad rendered themselves odious lo the people by their 
active zeal in the royal cause, and a vindictive temper 
towards the whig party ; a widow woman frequently 
induked herself in applying to them the epithet tory, 
and Iven intimated a liberty-pole exhibition. 1 his in- 
discretion was not to be passed with impunity, a num- 
ber of men in disguise entered her chamber in the night, 
took her from her bed, and after the application of tar 
and feathers, she was by a rope round her body hois - 
ed almost to the top of the pole, which had been erect- 
ed by die whigs. Her dreadful shrieks soon collected 
: a throng of people, but the poor woman could obta.n no 
j other redress than that bestowed by her friends, who 
I kindly shaved her head, and cleansed it of tar and 

i*63.iliGrs 

An innocent trick was devised by some persons in 
this town, which occasioned at that lime a genera sur- 
prise and agitation. An egg was P«duced with the 
following words imprinted on the shell by the aitifice 
of some tories. ' O America, America, Howe snM be 
thy conqueror; The egg being taken from the hen 
roost of Mr. H. on Sunday morning, and exhibited to 
a concourse of people assembled for P<'bl>c.worsh,p ex- 
cited the greatest agitation, and the meeting was lor 
some time^suspended^ The tories affected to believe 
that the phenomenon was supernatural, and a revela- 
tion from heaven favoring their cause and P'-ediclions ; 
and some whigs were ready to fall into the delusion 
when one less credulous, observed that it was absurd 
To suppose that the Almighty would reveal his decrees 
o man through the medium of an old hen. Thus end- 
ed'he farce I but the story of the egg -s the sul^ec 
of newspaper speculation in various par s of «he coun 
°ry, and tile alarm which it occasioned in the mmds of 
some people here was truly astonishing. 

In the year 1775, General Gage ordered a company 
X8* 



^iO HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, [1775 

of king's tmops, called the ' Queen's guards,' com- 
manded by captain Balfour, to be stationed at Marsh- 
field, for the protection of some royalists. Cap- 
tain Balfour and his officers soon made themsejves ac- 
quainted with the friends of the royal cause in this 
town. Their visits here were not pleasing to the to- 
nes, as the whig party was known to be in a state of 
such ferment, that a small spark might kindle a blaze, 
and create a fatal collision. They were, however, in- 
vited to dine with Edward Winslow, Esq., in the house 
in which I now write, in company with a number of re- 
spectable gentlemen of their party in town. Cap- 
tain Balfour desired to have the opinion of the 
company present, on the expediency of march- 
mg his company of guards into Plymouth. In dis- 
ciissmg the subject, one of the gentlemen, Mr. John 
Watson, was observed to be silent. Captain Balfour 
took him aside, and said, * Mr. Watson, I observed 
that you gave no opinion respecting my proposal, I 
should be glad to have your opinion and advice on the 
subject.' Mr. Watson replied, ' It is my opinion that 
It will not be prudent to bring your company here, for 
the people are m a state of great excitement and 
alarm. ' Will they fight .? ' says Balfour. ' Yes ' re- 
plied Wat9on, ' like devils.' On further consideration, 
the plan was wisely abandoned, from an apprehension 
oi the consequences. Had the company marched into 
town, they would have found a large majority of its in- 
habitants proud of the seat and character of their an- 
cestors, and determined to transmit them to posterity 
that they may inhale with their earliest breath a love 
of liberty and the people's rights. Under such cir- 
cumstances, it is highly probable that a collision would 
have taken place, and the first battle been fought at 
Plymouth instead of Lexington. While stationed at 
Marshfield, Captain Balfour and his officers fi-equently 
visited their friends at Plymouth. On one of these 
visits, umbrage was taken by some of the watchful sons 



775] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 211 

.nibertv, one of whom asserted that an officer had 
nenaced, with a drawn sword, an individual in the 
;treet : a numerous collection of people soon were pre- 
pared to avenge in a spirited manner the insult wheth- 
er real or pretended. The officer was obhged to re- 
treat and enter an apothecary's shop occupied by Dr. 
Dix, a tory, for safety. The shop was soon surrounded, 
and the officer's sword peremptorily demanded, bo re- 
solute were the assailants that the sword was forced rom 
the officer, and instantly cut into several pieces. 1 hese 
particulars have recently been related to ihe au hor 
L captain W. Weston, who was standing by at the time 
and who preserved a piece of the sword, and thinks it 
may still be found. This, account is essentially confirm- 
-ed by R. Cotton, Esq. and others who were present. 
Capt. Balfour, with his company remained at Marsh- 
\ field for several weeks unmolested, but the day after 
Lexington battle, governor Gage, apprised ol their dan- 
ger, took ofFhis troops, by water, to Boston. ^ 

At this period minute companies were orgamzed in- 
town, and immediately on hearing of the bloodshed at 
Lexington, Col. Theopbilus Cotton, of this town, 
mar bed t; Marshfield with a detachment of militia 
"nderhis command. There were at the same time 
about sixtv fishing vessels with their crews on board at 
anchor fn Plymouth harbor. The fishermen v;o^unta- 
rny left their vessels, and speedily marched to Marsn- 
field with their arms, resolutely delermined to attack 
the company of Bri.ish troops. When arrived at 
Marshfield, their numheis had increased to near one 
Zsand men, collected from the df«« 7-' buy- 
ing with the feelings of revenge : they might have sur- 
Znded and cep.ured the whote company before they 
could get to their vessels, but were ••«.ra,ned by Co . 
Cotton who it is said had received no orders fo the at- 
?ack i company of fifty men belonging to, ^is town 
was enrolled under the command of C^pt. INathaniel 
Morion, jr., who with oth^r companies formed the de- 



212 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [n7C|ll 

tachrnent under Col. Cotton, which, after the aflair a; 
Marshfield, marched to Roxbury and joined the prov< 
incial army stationed there, where they continuec 
through the year. They formed a part of the detach- 
ment ordered to throw up entrenchments on the heigbti 
of Dorchester, on the 4th of March, J 776, where ihe 
author was present in the capacity of surgeon's 
mate. From this period, through the whole revolu- 
tionary war, this town contributed its full proportion ot 
officers and men for the continental service, a consid- 
erable number of whom were victims to the cause of 
their suffering country ; and it would be gratifying could 
their names be transmitted to posterity, but no researchu 
in the writer's power could effect the desirable object. 
Col. Theophilus Cotton was the son of Josiah Cotton,, 
Esq. of this town, noticed in page 147. He was a zeal-- 
ous and active whig and patriot, served some time im 
the provincial army, and died February, 1782, agedi 
sixty-six, leaving many children; one only, the widow* 
of Capt. Charles Dyer, is still living in this town. 

The colonies were now involved in actual hostili- 
ties with one of the most powerful nations in Europe, 
whose fleets and armies were at our doors. Our 
means of defence scarcely adequate to a single exigen- 
cy, and opposition was considered by many as the ex- 
treme of folly and presumption. But appealing to 
Almighty God for the justness of their cause, the peo- 
ple resolved to buckle on their armor, and the motto. 
Liberty or Death, was every where displayed on their 
banners. The colonies had virtually absolved them- 
selves from all British authority and laws, and were, 
by that authority, declared to be in a state of actual 
rebellion. 

1776. — The momentous subject of independence, 
from Great Britain now called forth all the wisdom of 
our councils, and demanded the united energies and 
co-operation of the whole people. Unanimity of senti- 
ment, on a subject of such infinite importance, was 



776] HISTOEY OF PLYMOUTH. 213 

iot to be expected. Some, even of the wisest and 
est patriots were extremely reluctant to exchange a 
oble, ancient edifice, ever held in honor, for s.mple ^ 
pxiater als of a novel structure, hable to be deracmated 
by uncertain contingencies. But hear the h.gh-toned 
yoice of our town on this great occasion. 
\ May lO.-Instructions to the town's representatives 
in Provincial Congress : — 

. G^TLEMEN : We, in the most solemn manner 
charge you, that you use all your inftuence, that you 
iexert every power in you vested, m defence of the 
; igte, he^liberties, and' property of the Amencan col- 
onies in general, and of this colony m parucular, m 
opposition to the' efforts of the proud and .mpenous 
court of Great Britain, which seems to be ost to a 
sense of justice, and determmed to deluge all Ameri- 
ca in bloid and carnage, .mless we by a tame, unman- 
: W ubmission, will put ourselves in thejr power, to be 
controUed by them as they please in all cases whatev- 
er We, your constituents, resenting such mso ent and 
notoriously unjust demands of the Brmshparhament 
and of their tyrannising kmg, mstruct you , I. inat 
vou without hesitation, be ready to declare for mde- 
Hdence on Great Britain, in whom no confidence 
^n be placed, provided the honorable the cont.nental . 
con-ress shall think that measure necessary, and we, 
fo our pans, do assure you, that we w.ll stand by the 
d terminatio'nofthe continental congress m the rm 
nortaiit and, as we think, necessary measure, at the 
?°sk of our 1 ves and fortunes. 2. We wish you to use 
;' m Sence, that;such a form of gove^n^ent may b 
adopted as may appear most salutary, «"d ~ "^^Y- 
bid fairest to ensure a permanent h"™^"^ *° *;,';° . 
onies, and the real happiness and \>^°X'\1 ^^^2- 
ca, to the latest posterity. In /=>"'-;'«, '."^^^^^^^"e 
mend it to you to use your influence, 'l'^'' executive 
and legislative offices in the government do not meet 
in the same person. 



214 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [ITT 1^' 

A British armed brig, commanded by Captai 
Dawson, appeared in our outer harbor, when tvv 
small privateers, one commanded by Captain Corbe, 
Barnes, the other by Captain Charles Dyer, both • 
this town, attempted to reconnoitre her ; a number < 
shots were exchanged, but they finally separate 
without much damage on either side. A lady wh 
was a staunch loyalist, a visiter here from Bostoi 
was seen at her chamber window clapping hand ^ 
and shouting huzza for Dawson. She was a few day 
after met in the street by Captain Barnes, who gav 
her a gross insult. 

There is in Kingston a hill of great elevation, usu 
ally called Monk's Hill. In the early part of the war 
a tall mast was erected on this hill, on the top o 
which was placed a barrel of tar and other combusti ; 
bles, as a signal of alarm on the approach of the 
enemy. Captain Manly having captured a number o 
British prizes, made his appearance with other priva- 
teers like a formidable fleet in the bay. * It is hij 
majesty's fleet coming to burn the town,' said the tories. 
* Fire the beacon and call in our country friends,' said 
the whigs. All was confusion and alarm, military 
music was heard in the streets, the minute-men were 
summoned to arms, and sentinels were posted at their 
stations. A man was dispatched to Monk's Hill to 
fire the tar-barrel, the light and smoke ascended to 
the clouds, and spread the alarm far and wide : soon 
the town was filled with armed men, who crowded 
into private houses, claiming to be fed as the defend- 
ers of the town, and were provided for accordingly. 
The agitation and bustle continued through the 
night, and in the morning the joyful tidings were pro- 
claimed that the valiant Manly had entered the harbor 
with a number of valuable prizes ! * 

* The reader of Scott's novels will be reminded of the conster- 
nation produced among the good citizens of Fairport, by a similar 
mistake of Caxtou and Edie Ochiltree. — Antiquary, vol. ii. 



r77] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 215 

17T7 and 1778. The town experienced unexam- 
'"iled privations and sufferings in consequence of the 
k)ss of commerce and fishery, the whole sea coast and 
*:^rbor being completely obstructed by the British 
firmed vessels. The seamen of the town were driven 
fffjmost to despair, some of them engaged as soldiers in 
ifie continental army, others shipped on board of 
JBtrivateers, leaving their families destitute, while the 
iisessels belonging to the town were perishing at the 
Jii/harves. Here were numerous examples of poverty 
*tyithout hope of relief; the community embroiled in 
larty excitements, families and friends at variance and 
ii-he glorious cause of our country in a state of awful 
ir,.uspense ; still, however, the noble spirit of patriotism 
olferaained unbroken, and the fortitude and patience of 
i-he majority of the people were truly remarkable. 
e At this distressing period, complaints were made 
ifigainst several of the most respectable inhabitants, as 
■)eing inimical and disaffetted to the common cause, 
sas appears recorded in the towns book as follows. 

* To Thomas Mayhew Esq, one of the justices of the 
Deace of the county of Plymouth. I, the subscriber, 
',lerk of the committee of correspondence, inspection 
and safety for the town of Plymouth, hereby represent 
to you as a justice of peace in the county aforesaid, 
that there is in the opinion of said committee sufficient 
reason to suspect that the following persons, naming 
them, nine in number, residing in said town of 
Plymouth, within the state of Massachusetts Bay, are 
inimical to the United States; and you are requested 
upon this representation to proceed immediately 
against the above named persons, agreeable to an act 
of said state, passed the present session of the general 
court, entitled an act for prescribing and establishing 
an oath of fidelity and allegiance. By order of the 
committee of correspondence, &;c. 

'Andrew Croswell, Clerk. 

'Plymouth, February llthy 1778.' 



216 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1778 

In consequence of the foregoing rejiresentation, 
Thomas Mayhew, Esq. issued his warrant to the 
sherifFof the county, to notify the several persons there- 
in named to appear on the 12th day of February to 
take the oath prescribed, which he performed accord- 
ingly. The assemblage of people on this novel occa- 
sion was very numerous, and considerable excitement 
and agitation were manifested. The persons arrested 
were tories, but highly respectable ; they were treated 
with lenity, and having complied with the requirements 
of the law were liberated, and subsequently found 
among our most peaceable and useful citizens. 

1778. December 26th and 27th. — The inhabitants 
of this town were called to witness a catastrophe, truly 
appalling to humanity. The brig General Arnold, 
mounting 20 guns, having a crew of 105 men and 
boys, commanded by Ca plain James Magee, of Bos- 
ton, sailed from that port on Thursday, 24th of 
December, bound on a cruise. On Friday, ancliored 
ofl" Plymouth harbor, being desthute of a pilot. In 
the night a heavy gale drove her on the White Flat. 
She soon filled wiih water and it became necessary to 
cut away the masts. Unfortunately, a great disturb- 
ance was occasioned by intoxication among some of 
the seamen in the steerage, which was with difficulty 
quelled by the officers. A tremendous storm of wind 
and snow came on, and a considerable number of men 
died on Saturday afternoon and in the night. Three 
men, not of the crew, being on board, took the yawl, 
and passed eight or ten rods to the ice, and were 
taken on board a schooner that was frozen in. Had 
the boat been returned as promised, many lives 
would have been saved. 

Sunday morning, the vessel was seen in a most dis- 
tressful situation, enveloped in ice and snow, and the 
whole shore was frozen to a solid body of ice, the 
winds and waves raging with such dreadful violence 
that no possible relief could be afforded to the misera- 



1778] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 217 

ble sufferers. Tlie inhr-bitants made every efibrl to 
reach the wreck in boats, but were obliged to put back, 
although aware that the seamen were in the arms of 
death, and when the miserable victims on board saw 
the boats returning leaving them in a condition of ut- 
ter hopelessness, their spirits were appalled, and num- 
bers were seen to fall dead on the deck. On Monday, 
the inhabitants passed over the ice to the wreck. 
Here was presented a scene unutterably awful and 
distressing. It is scarcely possible for the human mind 
to conceive of a more appalling spectacle. The ship 
was sunk ten feet in the sand, the waves had been for 
about thirty-six hours sweeping the main deck, the 
men had crowded to the quarter deck, and even here 
they were obliged to pile together dead bodies to 
make room for the living. Seventy dead bodies fro- 
zen into all imaginable postures were strewed over the 
deck, or attached to the shrouds and spars ; about 
thirty exhibited signs of life, but were unconscious 
whether in life or death. The bodies remained in the 
posture in which they died, the features dreadfully- 
distorted ; some were erect, some bending forward, 
some sitting with the head resting on the knees, and 
some with both arms extended, clinging to spars or 
some parts of the vessel. The few survivors, and the 
dead bodies, were brought over the ice on sleds and 
boards, and the dead were piled on the floor of the 
court house, exhibiting a scene calculated to impress 
even the most callous heart with deep humility and sor- 
row. It has been said that the Rev. Mr. Robbins 
fainted when called to perform the religious solemni- 
ties. Those bodies that were to be deposited in 
coffins were first put into the town brook ; a considera- 
ble number were seen floating on the water, fastened 
by ropes, that their form might be made to conform to 
the coffin. But about sixty were thrown into a large 
pit as they were taken from the vessel. This pit, is 
in a hollow on the southwest side of the burial ground, 
19 



•218 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1779 

and remains without a stone. The greater part of 
those who were found alive, expired soon after. Cap- 
tain Magee survived, and performed several profitable 
voyages afterwards. He abstained entirely from 
drinking ardent spirits, but was of opinion that he was 
greatly benefited by putting rum into his boots. 
Those who drank rum were the more immediate vic- 
tims, several being found dead in the very spot where 
they drank it. A man named Downs, belonging} to 
Barnstable, was apparently dead, but on being seen to 
move his eyelids, was put into a vessel of cold water 
for several hours, by which he was resuscitated, but with 
the most exquisite pain. He lost both of his feet, but 
lived many years after. Among those who perished 
were Dr. Mann, of Attleborough, Dr. Sears, Captain 
John Russell, of Barnstable, commander of the marines, 
and Lieutenant Daniel Hall. The two last were bu- 
ried in one grave on the south side of the burial hill. 
JVbfe. — It should be observed that when persons are 
exposed to intense cold there is always a propensity 
to sleep, but the moment it is indulged it becomes the 
sleep of death. 

1779. — At a meeting of the town, Resolved, as the 
laws enacted by our provident ancestors, with wonder- 
ful wisdom and sagacity, for the establishment and reg- 
ulation of schools, have diffused an universal spirit of 
knowledge and inquiry, not to be met with in other 
states or kingdoms, and have been a great means, un- 
der Providence, of preserving this people from the 
shackles fabricated for them by a foreign power, and 
as the preservation of the freedom, health, and vigor of 
the state depends in a great measure, upon the strictest 
attention being paid to this institution : Resolved, that 
the school committee be ordered to provide (if such 
one be not already provided) an able an faithful master 
to keep the grammar school in this town, possessed of 
such qualifications as are required by law. 

This town, was this year subjected to extreme diffi- 



1781] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 21B 

culty and expense In raiding soldiers for the army, and 
supporting their families in their absence, having been 
reduced to the necessity of selling real estate and hir- 
ing money for that purpose. They retained neverthe- 
less the true and inflexible principles of patriotism, still 
resolved to defend the noble fabric which our fathers 
reared, and that if the star of their country's glory 
-must set, its setting should be marked with the aveng- 
ing hand of the oppressed. The inhabitants were di- 
vided into classes ; each class w^as required to furnish 
one able-bodied man, to serve for a specified term in 
the continental army. The demand for such service^ 
besides the common bounty allowed by congress, was 
very exorbitant, and on some occasions it was stipulated 
that the compensation should be paid in silver money ; 
the paper currency had become so depreciated that no 
rcnfidence could be placed in its value. At one period, 
a silver dollar would purchase one hundred in paper. 
A farmer in a neighboring town sold a co.v in the spring 
for forty dollars, and in the next autumn he paid the 
whole sum for a goose for a thanksgiving dinner. 

The whole Plymouth Bay and harbor were almost 
constantly infested with small picaroons, called ^ shaving 
mills.^ One of these approached the shore at Manomet 
Ponds, on a Sunday, by which the town was so much 
alarmed that a company of militia, with a piece of 
cannon, marched to that place for the protection of 
the inhabitants, and on this occasion, as well as on 
several others, the people in that parish carried their 
iire-arms into the meeting house on the sabbath to be 
prepared for defence, and were firmly determined to 
resist to the uttermost every attack. 

1781. — The town was reduced to the necessity of re- 
monstrating to the general court, that, from the many pe- 
culiar difficulties which they labored under, by reason of 
the war they were unable to pay the taxes, and to pro- 
cure the soldiers clothing and provisions required of 
them, and praying for an abatement or remission oftlie 



220 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1783 

same. The town voted to instruct their representative, 
Major Joshua Thomas, to use his influence that the 
general couit make apphcation to the congress, that 
our commissioners for negotiating a peace make it an ar- 
ticle of indispensable necessity, that the fishery be re- 
stored to us, as being of the greatest importance to the 
town, having hitherto depended on it for support. 

1782. — Capt. Horatio Nelson, afterwards Lord Nel- 
son, commander of the British ship, the Albemarle, 
having taken a small schooner of 35 tons, in the bay, 
belonging to Plymouth, afirer she had been used as a 
tender for some days, Capt. Thomas Davis, of this 
town, owner of the vessel, encouraged by the repre- 
sentations given by Nathaniel Carver, master of the 
vessel, (who with the crew had been liberated,) of the 
character and deportment of Captain Nelson, went on 
board, Captain Carver Jiccompanying him. Some veg- 
etables and fruit, which had been hastily collected af- 
ter the frigate appeared in view of the town, were pre- 
sented, and the vessel was generously restored, and a 
certificate was given by Captain Nelson thai she was 
released. Wc honor the noble spirited hero who dis- 
plays the qualities of humanity and benevolence. 

1783. — This year is remarkable for a happy termina- 
tion of the horrors of war, which had for eight years 
been an awful scourge to our country. 

Through the goodness of Divine Providence, liberty 
and independence were obtained, and no one of the 
present age, or of future generations can lament the im- 
mense sacrifices which were made in the holy cause. 
From this era, the United Stales of America claim ex- 
istence among the nations of the world, and no people 
ever advanced witli more rapid strides to pre-eminence 
in national glory and importance. 

On the first of January this year, the present author 
having terminated his services of seven and a half years 
in the American army, became a private citizen, and 
in March following commenced his professional career 



1786] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH, 221 

in the town of Plymouth. After having suffered the 
ravages and privations incident to a war of eight years 
continuance, the inhabitants of this town, in common 
with the general community, welcomed the return of 
peace with emotions of unfeigned gratitude and joy. 
Not a few had to lament the loss of friends; all were 
sufferers in their pecuniary interests, but the mighty 
boon obtained was deemed more than a sufficient re- 
muneration for every sacrifice and privation. The town 
was reduced to a state of destitution, their navigation 
almost annihilated, a renewal of their former means of 
support was very precarious, and the taxes were now 
very heavy. 

1785. — The town has been called to deplore the 
death of an estimable fellow-citizen, Capt. Thomas Da- 
vis, who died March 7th, aged 63 years. He was the 
head of the respectable firm of Davis k, Spooner, for 
many years noted for probity and correctness in their 
mercantile transactions, and for integrity and benevolence 
of character. Capt. Davis left six sons and one daugh- 
ter ; the latter, Sarah, married Le Baron Bradford, son 
of Lieut. Governor Bradford, of Bristol, R. I. Her 
only son Le Baron, still survives. The sons of Capt. 
Davis were Thomas, (see page 229 ;) William, (page 
270 ;) John, now Judge of the District Court in Boston, 
and President of the Massachusetts Historical Society ; 
Samuel, (page 274 ;) Isaac and Wendell ; the latter was 
by profession a lawyer, and was Sheriff of the county 
of Barnstable, and died at Sandwich, 183L His re- 
mains are deposited among his relatives in our burial 
ground. 

1786. — This year is memorable for an alarming in- 
surrection, instigated by Daniel Shays^ which occasion- 
ed the greatest commotion throughout the New England 
States. There were, in almost every town, some who 
encouraged the insurgents ; but in Plymouth, not an in- 
dividual appeared openly to advocate their vile proceed- 
ings. The town instructed its representative to the 
19* 



222 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1789 

general court, to use his influence to have suitable meas- 
ures adopted for the removal of all grievances, and to 
quiet the minds of the people. 

That he oppose the emission of paper money, and 
discourage the importation of foreign superfluities, and 
articles of British manufacture, he. 

A detachment of the militia of this town was ordered 
to march to Taunton, to oppose the insurgents in their 
audacious purpose of preventing the sitting of the court 
of common pleas in that place. General Nath'l. Good- 
win marched at the head of a large detachment of mi- 
litia from this and other towns. The writer of this ar- 
ticle accompanied the expedition in the capacity of sur- 
geon. A very formidable collection of .insurgents made 
their appearance, and arrayed themselves in a men- 
acing attitude on Taunton Green. General David Cobb, 
judge of the court at that place, assumed the command 
of the militia, and declared that he would on that day 
' sit as a judge, or die as a general.' The result was 
a total dispersion of the insurgents without bloodshed. 

Among the intrepid patriots who distinguished them- 
selves In the naval service during our revolutionary 
contest, was Simeon Sampson, Esq. ' He was born in 
Kingston In the year 1736. In youth he began a sea- 
faring life, and performed many important voyages in 
the employment of the merchants of Plymouth. In the 
year 17G2, Mr. Sampson was taken prisoner by the 
French, in a vessel belonging to Goodwin & Warren, 
which was redeemed by the captain for a large sum of 
money, and Mr. Sampson was left as a hostage for the 
payment of the ransom. From this imprisonment he 
escaped by assuming the dress of a female, and was 
soon restored to his family In Plymouth. 

At the commencement of the revolutionary war, 
when a marine force was deemed necessary to protect 
our commerce from the depredations of the British 
cruisers ; he was honored by the Provincial Congress 
of Massachusetts with the appointment of the first naval 



1789] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 223 

captain in the service of the country. He immediate- 
Jy took the command of the brig Independence, be- 
longing to the colony, and which was built at Kingston, 
under his direction. In this vessel, J3 w^as eminently 
successful, and in one cruise captured and sent in five 
prizeSj among which was the Roebuck, Captain White, 
in the autumn of the year 1776. Immediately after 
this, he himself was captured by Capt. Dawson, of dis- 
tinguished memory in these seas. Capt. Sampson did 
not surrender, until after an engagement of as severe 
and bloody character perhaps as is recorded in the an- 
nals of naval warfare. The skill and intrepidity mani- 
fested by him was applauded even by his enemies. 
Had he been sustained by all his men, he would un- 
doubtedly have been the conqueror, rather than the 
vanquished. It is said in the gazette of that period, that 
he was driven to the awful necessity of running through 
the body two or three of his men, who abandoned their 
guns in the most trying moment of the conflict. One 
of these victims was his third lieutenant. Soon after 
his return from captivity, which was at Fort Cumber- 
land, near Halifax, he was appointed commander of the 
brig Hazard, a public vessel belonging to the state. 
In this vessel he likewise took several prizes, among 
which was the ship Live Oak. In 1779 he was select- 
ed to the command of the packet ship Mercury, built 
at Plymouth, by Mr. John Peck, for Congress. She 
was employed to carry dispatches to our ministers in 
France. In this ship he returned from Nantz during the 
severe winter of 1780. Soon after which he was pro- 
moted to the command of the Mars, a larger ship, like- 
wise belonging to the state, and in this vessel he was 
employed in the most responsible trust, in carrying dis- 
patches, and in one cruise carried out one of our minis- 
ters to Europe. The British flagship Trial was captur- 
ed by him while in the Wars. At the close of the war, 
he retired like most of the faithful servants of our coun- 



224 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1793 

try, with a very scanty estate, and a numerous family 
dependent upon him lor support. 

In 1788, Capt. Sampson disposed of his mansion in 
Middle street in Plymouth, and purchased a farm in 
Plimpton, where he terminated his earthly career by 
an apoplexy, June 22d, 1789, at the age of 53 years. 
He was buried upon his own farm, and afterwards his 
body was removed to the burying hill in Plymouth, 
where his grave is marked by an appropriate head 
stone. 

Few naval officers stood higher in public estima- 
tion, few citizens more respected for domestic virtues, 
hospitality and generous friendship. 

In 1759, Capt. Sampson married Deborah Gushing, 
daughter of Seth Gushing, of Hingham, who survived 
him many years. She died at Homer, New York, in 
1830, at the advanced age of 90 years. 

The ancestors of Gapt. Sampson will be found among 
those who were distinguished in the Old Golony. His 
father was Peleg Sampson, a principal owner of the 
iron works at Middleborough, which were suppressed 
by the Grown. He was born in 1700, was a son of 
Isaac Sampson, who was born in 1660, and died in 
1726. He married Lydia Standish, daughter of Al- 
exander, and grand-daughter of Gapt. Miles Standish 
and John Alden, two of the Mayflower pilgrims. The 
descendants of Gapt. Sampson are not numerous. He 
left 5 children. 1. Lydia, the wife of William Good- 
win who died l1\5. 2. Deborah, the wife of Rev. E. 
Briggs, and now the widow Goodwin. 3. Mercy, wife 
of Major Levi Bradford. 4. George W. Sampson, and 
5. Maria, wife of Rev. Mr. Johnson. The four last still 
survive, and reside with their families, in the western 
part of the state of New York. ' J. G. 

1793. — The inhabitants of this town celebrated the 
victories of the French Republic over their invaders by 
a grand civic festival. An animating address was de- 



1800] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. '225 

livered on the occasion by Rev. Dr. C. Robbins which 
was published. 

This year the town acted in accordance with the 
town of Boston, respecting the measures of neutrality, 
as recommended by President Washington. 

1794. — Mrs. Elizabeth Russell, the lady of Hon. 
Thomas Russell, merchant of Boston, presented a bell 
to the town of Plymouth, the place of her nativity ; 
on which occasion a vote of thanks was passed, and 
presented in very handsome terms. This bell was im- 
ported from England, was finely toned, and weighed 
about five hundred and sixty-four pounds. It was un- 
fortunately broken in the year 1801, when another 
was presented to the town, of Col. Revere's manufac- 
ture, weighing about eight hundred pounds, which is 
still in use. The first notice of a bell in Plymouth is 
in 1679, probably the first used in New England. 

In 1799 a singular accident occurred in town, which 
gave me considerable employment. The frame of a 
house belonging to Capt. John Paty was erected, two 
stories high in front and three back, the ground falling 
away considerably in the rear. When the frame was 
put together, and from thirty to forty men were, most 
of them, on the highest floor and the roof, from some 
cause the whole frame fell to the ground on the lower 
side. This accident might have been fatal to numbers 
but it is remarkahle that no one was killed, and but 
one bone fractured ; twenty-one were wounded, more 
or less severely, but all recovered. 

1800. Death of Washington. — The reader may 
here be reminded that on the 14th December, 1799 the 
illustrious and beloved Washington paid the debt of 
nature, and that, throughout the United States, all class- 
es of people mourned the event, as a great national 
calamity. It was recommended by the public authori- 
ties that the22d February, 1800, his birth day, be con- 
secrated, by the whole community to the remembrance 
of the saviour of our country. Our town authorities di- 



226 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [ISOO 

reeled the appropriate arrangements. All business was 
suspended, stores and shops were closed, the shipping 
in the harbor displayed emblems of mourning, divine 
service was performed in the sanctuary, where Rev. 
Mr. Kendall delivered a well-adapted sermon, which 
was published. Grief and sorrow were depicted on 
every countenance, and the whole people appeared 
unitedly, as one family, bewailing the death of its com- 
mon father. 

December 13. — Died in this town, Col. George Wat- 
son. 'The lives and deaths of but few men are more 
truly enviable than Col. Watson's. By an uniform dig- 
nity of manners, and uprightness of conduct, he pre- 
served the respectability of his family, unsullied to the 
grave. From early life he entertained an invincible ab- 
horrence of these excesses, which, while they enfeeble 
the constitution, make destructive inroads in the order 
of families, and harmony of society. In the meridian 
of his days and amidst the multifarious concerns and 
solicitudes of commercial business, he formed a just es- 
timate of the scenes fleeting before him, and looked 
forward to an inheritance eternal in the heavens. Be- 
coming a member of the most ancient church of Christ 
in New England, he w^as exemplary in his observance 
of all the institutions of its primitive founders. Blessed 
with affluence, he was always ready to indulge the be- 
nevolent propensities of his nature in affording relief to 
the indigent and necessitous. But the best eulogy is the 
spontaneous tribute of respect paid to his remains by 
the inhabitants of Plymouth, at a town meeting conven- 
ed in consequence of his death, and is as follows : — 

Decembef^. — At a meeting of the inhabitants of 
the town, the following vote was passed : Whereas, it has 
pleased the sovereign Disposer of all events to remove 
from us, by death, our beloved fellow citizen and fel- 
low townsman, George Watson, Esq., w^ho from his un- 
bending rectitude and conscientious punctuality as a 
merchant, from his liberal hospitality and diffusive be- 



1800] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 227 

nevolence as a man, from the graces of his behavior, 
as a gentleman, and from the lustre of his example as 
a christian, displayed with undeviating constancy in a 
long life, was justly held in the most respectful estima- 
tion by an extensive circle of friends, and by all class- 
es of his fellow men. while his amiable partialities for 
his native town, the persevering assiduity with which 
he discharged its most important public offices, and the 
deep interest he invariably took in its happiness and 
prosperity, has engraven his name in the affections of 
its inhabitants, in characters that no time can efface. 
Prompted by their high sensibility to exhibit on this 
melancholy occasion every testimonial of respect for 
the venerable dead, and as an incitement to the imita- 
tion of such pre-eminent virtues, — Voted, 1. That on 
the day of the interment of George Watson, Esq., the 
selectmen be requested to direct the sexton to toll the 
bell, commencing at sunrise and continue three hours. 
2. That it be recommended to the inhabitants to sus- 
pend their usual business in the streets, by shutting up 
their shops, stores, he. from two o'clock, P. M. till the 
funeral is over. 3. That it be recommended to the 
owners of shipping in the harbor to place their flags 
half mast high, in token of mourning during the day 
of interment. 

The lamented subject of the above eulogium was of 
an ancient and honorable family ; he died at the ad- 
vanced age of 83 years. Rev. Mr. Kendall preached a 
sermon on occasion of his death, which was printed. 

Tn person. Col. Watson was portly and well propor- 
tioned, his countenance noble and placid, and his whole 
mien truly dignified. His urbanity and courtesy will 
long be remembered by all who enjoyed his acquaint- 
ance. He owned, and resided in the house on the 
south side of North street, now belonging to Mr. Abra- 
ham Jackson. The beautiful range of linden trees in 
front and rear of his house, he cultivated with peculiar 
pleasure, and delighted himself under their refreshing 
shade. 



228 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1800 

His children were three daughters. Mary married 
Elisha Hutchinson. Esq., son of the governor, and died 
in England before her lather. Sarah, who still survives 
in Boston, married Martin Brimmer, Esq., Elizabeth 
married Hon. Thomas Russell, Esq., merchant in Bos- 
ton. After his decease she married Sir Grenville 
Temple, and died at Rome about 1806, leaving three 
children. 

1802. — William Thomas, a physician of extensive 
practice in Plymouth for more than half a century, 
was born in Boston in the year 1718, and died in 1802. 
He was a descendant in the sixth generation from Wm. 
Thomas, of Welsh extract, who arrived in the colony, 
and settled in Marshfield about 1630. He was in the 
medical staff in the hazardous and successful enter- 
prise against Louisburg in 1745, and at Crown Point 
in 1758. Dr. Thomas took a very zealous part in the 
disputes with the mother country, that issued finally in 
independence. After the first blow was struck in the 
battle of Lexington, in 1775, he immediately joined 
himself and his family, consisting of four sons, viz. 
Joshua, Joseph, John and Nathaniel, to the first form- 
ed revolutionary corps. The first named of the sons 
was aid de camp to Gen. Thomas, in the expedition to 
Canada in 1776, and after the peace judge of pro- 
bate for the county of Plymouth. Joseph and John 
continued in the service during the war, the first, captain 
of artillery, and the last in the medical staff. On the 
peace, John established himself at Poughkeepsie, in the 
state of New York, in the practice of his profession, 
and died in 1818, leaving a son and daughter. The 
other sons were setded in Plymouth — beside these 
there was a daughter, who married a gendeman by the 
name of Brick, and setded in Charlestown, N. Hamp- 
shire. Dr. Wm. Thomas was thrice married. The 
children named above were by the second wife, whose 
maiden name was Bridgham. 

December 22. — This anniversary of the landing of 



1805] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 229 

eur Pilgrim fathers on our shore was celebrated in ap- 
propriate style, by an oration by Hon. John Quincy 
Adams, Esq. The interesting occasion and the celeb- 
rity of the orator drew together an immense assem- 
bly. The firing of cannon and the military parade pre- 
ceded the assembling of the people. The oration by 
Mr. Adams was a masterly piece of composition, rarely- 
exceeded, and the eloquence displayed by the speaker 
impressed the audience with sensations of delight. 
An elegant public dinner was provided, and was follow- 
ed by songs and toasts, and a ball closed the evening. 

1803. — A committee was chosen by the town to 
inquire into the circunistances of the Indian lands ia 
this town. They reported that the number of acres is 
2,633, valued at $14,140. The number of Indians 
in town were fourteen males and thirty-five females, 
with about 1 5 children under age. This land lies on 
the borders of Sandwich, at a place called Herring 
Pond. 

1805. — The ship Ilibernia, Captain Andrew Farral, 
owner and commander, was wrecked on our beach 
January 28th. She sailed from Boston on the 26th 
instant, and being overtaken by a violent cold storm, 
was driven on the beach in the night. The Captain 
and five of the seven seamen perished, and were bu- 
ried together on our burial hill, where a stone is erect- 
ed with a suitable inscription. Captain Farrall was 
aged 38 years, and was of respectable connexions in 
Ireland. 

January 21s^. — Died in Boston Hon. Thomas 
Davis, Esq. He was born in Plymouth, 1756, and 
was the son of Captain Thomas Davis. He received 
a good school education, which he completed under 
Alexander Scammell. Under this gentleman he not 
only acquired the rudiments of useful knowledge, but 
formed those habits of method, reflection and perseve- 
rance which marked his future life. Destined for 
commerce, while a youth, important concerns devolv- 
20 



230 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1805 

ed upon him, in whose management he discovered that 
intelligence, integrity and assiduity, which promised 
and secured success in enterprise. He mingled with 
the engagements of his busy avocation, inquiries into 
practical science, Snd became well versed in the 
history and principles of commerce, and the sound 
maxims and rational theories of government. The 
derangement of the municipal concerns of his native 
town, first induced him to engage in public affairs. 
Impoverished by the war, and embarrassed by the per- 
plexities which as often resuh from futile expedients 
as real distress, it required an intelligent, active, and 
persevering mind, to restore harmony, hope and enter- 
prise. Mr. Davis effected it by his natural arrange- 
ments. He insisted on simplicity, order and punctu- 
ality. The result was credit and prosperity. His 
exertions and success acquired him the confidence of 
his townsmen, and produced an attachment which has 
ever been reciprocated. At an early age he was 
elected a representative of his native town to the gen- 
eral court, and for many years was continued in that 
station. From this period his whole life has been de- 
voted to public concerns. In 1789, he was a mem- 
ber of the Convention to decide on the Federal Con- 
stitution. In 1792, he was elected a senator of this 
Commonwealth, by the county of Plymouth, and the 
same year w^as chosen the treasurer of the state, in 
which office he was continued during the constitution- 
al term. On retiring fiom the treasury, he was twice 
elected a senator for the county of Suffolk, when he 
was unanimously chosen the first president of the 
Boston Marine Insurance Company, in 1799, which 
office he held until his death. He was a member of 
the Humane Society and the Boston Dispensary. 
He declined also many honorary and responsible 
stations, from those principles which induced his ac- 
ceptance of others. Always in public life, Mr. Davis 
retired from the notoriety of a public character. He 



1805] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 231 

did not take the post of honor for public observation, 
but for the public good. 

The treasury of the Commonwealth, at the time of 
the appointment of Mr. Davis to its direction, owing 
to our state debt, the emission of paper, our national 
depression after the peace, and the deficits in the col- 
lectors, was in a most chaotic state. The importance 
of public credit to our peace, honor, and prosperity, 
induced him to undertake the arduous task of bringing 
order out of confusion. His comprehensive mind 
embraced the whole extent of national obligation and 
national resource. Our debt was funded on his sys- 
tem, in which there are some of the peculiarities of 
genius which knows how to apply general principles 
with their exceptions. A sinking fund was establish- 
ed for its gradual discharge, which has been successful 
in its operations. A methodical arrangement was 
adopted in the treasury, and a strict punctuality faithfully 
observed and rigidly exacted. Our credit revived, our 
finances proved adequate ti; our demands, which in 
the infancy of a civil establishment is not always pro- 
portionate to its ability ; and at the close of Mr. 
Davis's constitutional term, his report of the state of 
the treasury secured him the thanks and approbation 
of those who best knew the extent of his services, 
while his successors by pursuing his plans, afford 
additional evidence of their excellence. 

As President of the Boston Marine Insurance Com- 
pany he displayed the whole of his character. His 
prudence and judgment in the investment of their cap- 
ital, his knowledge of the principles which applied to 
his office, and his justice and liberality in the adjust- 
ment of controversies, rendered him a director, coun- 
sellor and judge. As an evidence of almost unexam- 
pled confidence in his judgpient and integrity, notwith- 
standing his interest in this corporation, most of the 
disputes that originated in the office were referred to 
his sole decision. He exerted here his usual assiduity, 



232 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1806 

investigation and perseverance, and from a studious 
inquiry into the laws of insurance in all countries and 
ages, his opinions on this most intricate and perplexing 
branch of jurisprudence were respected, not only by 
the mercantile world, but by advocates of professional 
eminence. 

His intellectual and moral character was endeared 
by his social and generous feelings. Through the si- 
lence of thought, and the reserve of prudence, were 
visible the affections of his soul ; and the irrefragable 
evidence of his amiable and friendly disposition is 
found in the warmest attachment of a numerous ac- 
quaintance. His charity was as diffusive as his mind 
was active, and his friends knew that he was a man 
who denied the sufferer ' nothing but his name.* 
When it is added to this that religion was the base and 
crown of his virtue, we must readily admit that his 
friends have not been too partial, and the world but 
just in their affection, confidence and praise. 

1806. December 22. — This is the 186th anniversary 
of the first landing of our puritan fathers. The glori- 
ous day which should be conamemorated by the latest 
posterity as the day when the civil and religious inde- 
pendence of our country was germinated, in the exalt- 
ed characters and manly virtues of the passengers of 
the Mayflower. The inhabitants of this town, and 
those from neighboring towns entered into the appro- 
priate religious solemnities with hearts glowing with 
gratitude, to unite in the merited tribute of respect to 
our renowned sires. The discourse was delivered by 
Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., of Cambridge, from the 
words, 'Where are the fathers?' A discourse coming 
from a learned divine whose soul is imbued with the 
spirit of the puritans, was exceedingly animating; in- 
teresting associations were revived, and a due sense 
of duty to God and gratitude to our fathers awakened 
and illustrated. A hymn, composed by Dr. Holmes 
for the occasion, was sung to the time of Old Hundred^ 



1808] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 233 

being read line by line by Deacon Spooner. The 
services being closed, the company retired to a public 
social festival. A respectable number of ladies of this 
town, accompanied by strangers, associated together to 
partake of a dinner prepared for them in the hall over 
the Plymouth bank. 

180S. — The enforcement of the embargo hw occa- 
sioned great suffering throughout our commercial com- 
munity. Navigation was entirely suspended, our har- 
bors were crowded with dismantled vessels, and our 
seamen w^ere deprived of employment, and the means 
of supporting their families. 

April. — The town passed a by-law, as follows, that 
if any person should be found smoking a cigar or pipe 
in any of the streets, lanes, wharves, yards, or barns, 
in this town, he or they shall forfeit and pay the sum 
of $1 for every such offence, to be recovered by the 
firewards, or any other person, that shall prosecute 
and sue for the same, before any justice of the peace 
for the county of Plymouth, to be applied to the use 
of the poor of said town; and that parents, and guar- 
dians, and masters of minors, shall be liable to pay the 
fine above said for their children, wards, or appren- 
tices, who shall offend in this particular. 

August. — A meeting of the town was called, by the 
request of 163 inhabitants, to present a petition to 
president Jefferson to take off the embargo. It was 
not uncommon to see seamen thronging the wharves, 
cursing the embargo, and the authors of it. They pe- 
titioned Mr- Jefferson that it might be taken off, if in 
his power, or that congress might be called together 
for the purpose. The petition expressed the deplora- 
ble situation to which the town was reduced, deprecat- 
ing the policy of the measure and the horrid conse- 
quences of it, and closing thus ;-' Prohibitory laws that 
subject the citizens to grievous privations and suffer- 
ings, the policy of which is at least questionable, and 
the temptations to the violations of which from the na- 
20* 



234 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1808 

ture of man, are almost irresistible, will gradually un- 
dermine the morals of society, and introduce a laxity 
of principle and contempt of the laws, more to be de- 
plored than even the useless v/aste of property. 

From these, and other weighty considerations, your 
memorialists pray the president wholly or partially to 
suspend the embargo laws, if his powders are compe- 
tent to that object, and if not, to convene congress at 
an early period that an immediate repeal of them may 
be obtained. 

To the above manly and decided petition, Mr. Jef- 
ferson returned an answer, the purport of which is : 
' To have submitted our rightful commerce to prohib- 
tions and tributary exactions from others, would have 
been to surrender our independence. To resist them 
by arms was war, without consulting the state of things 
or the choice of the nation. The alternative preferred 
by the legislature, of suspending a commerce placed 
under such unexampled difficulties, besides saving to 
our citizens their ])roperty and our mariners to their 
country, has the peculiar advantage of giving time to 
the belligerent nations to revise a conduct, as contrary 
to their interest as it is to our own riaihts. In tlie event 
of such peace, or suspension of hostilities, between the 
belligerent powers of Europe, or of such change in their 
measures afiecting neutral commerce, as may render 
that of the United States sufficiendy safe, in the judg- 
ment of the president, he is authorized to suspend the 
embargo ; but no peace, or suspension of hostilities, 
no change of measures afiecting neutral commerce, is 
known to have taken place. In flict, we have no in- 
formation on which prudence would undertake a hasty 
change in our policy, even were the authority of the 
executive competent to such a decision. I should with 
great willingness have executed the wish of the inhabit- 
ants of Plymouth, had peace, or a repeal of the ob- 
noxious edicts, or other changes produced the cause 
in which alone the laws have given me the authority, 
and so many motives of justice and interest lead to such 



1808] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 235 

changes, that we ought continually to expect them ; but 
while these edicts remain, the legislature alone can pre- 
scribe the course to be pursued.' 

July 25. — Died Isaac Lothrop, Esq., aged 73 years. 
He was born at Plymouth, December 11, 1736, and 
was the eldest of five children of Isaac Lothrop, Esq. 
mentioned in page 175. He was educated a mer- 
chant, but from the year 1778 he confined himself to 
his official duties as register of probate for the coun- 
ty, which office he retained till his death. The un- 
bending uprightness that marked his conduct in this 
office, the ability and gentlemanly manner with which 
he discharged the duties of it, will long be remember- 
ed with affectionate respect. He cherished with live- 
ly ardor a natural fondness for antiquity ; and so exalt- 
ed was his veneration for the pious planters in New 
England, who first landed in this town, that he delight- 
ed in tracing their every footstep, and the minutest cir- 
cumstances of their history were treasured in his mind. 
Hence, soon after the institution of the Historical So- 
ciety, he was elected a member, and among the earliest 
members of the Humane Society he enrolled his name. 
In his friendships he was steady, ardent, sincere ; un- 
disguised in his feelings, and removed from the least 
tincture of duplicity, his bosom was the sacred deposi- 
tory of confidential intercourse. If his prejudices were 
strong, they were invariably pointed at what he devout- 
ly believed to be profligacy in principle, or dishonesty 
in practice. Such in fine was Mr. Lothrop's scrupu-... 
lous integrity, such his thorough detestation of every 
species of iniquitous, or even temporising procedure, 
that the inscription on the tombstone of his beloved 
father, would be an appropriate one for his own. (See 
page 175.) 

Hon. James Warren. — This gentleman, a lineal de- 
scendant of Richard Warren, who came over in the 
Mayflower, was born in Plymouth in the year 1726, 
and was the son of James Warren, who held the office 



236 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1808 

of slicrifrof the county of Plymouth, under the royal 
government. Havinj; graduated at Harvard college, 
in 1745, he dirccled his altciition to commercial allairs, 
and became a respectahlu mcrchaMl ; alter i\w death 
of his father, who Icl't him a handsome estate, he 
was appointed to the oflice of sluMilf, which he 
retained until the commencement of the war with 
Great l^ritain. In May, 17G0, lie was chosen a 
memher of the gencrarcourt from Plymouth, and he 
uniformly su|)portcd (he rights of his country against the 
pretensions of parhament. His education, abilities, 
and integrity, eminently (jualilied him to stand forth at a 
crisis, when talent, principle, and energy were recjuired 
to devise and execute measures of resistance with unsha- 
ken firnniess. He has the reputation of originating, in 
conjunction with Samuel Adams, the plan of coni- 
mittecs of safety and correspondence in the vari- 
ous towns and counties, in the year 177-'{; and 
he was himself, that year chosen a memher of this 
committee in liis native town.* He was, in 1775, 
chosen a member of the provincial congress, and, 
immediately alter the death of Gen. Joseph War- 
ren, he was appointed his successor, as president 
of that honorable body. While the army lay at 
C'anjbridge, in 1775, he was made paymaster general, 
but in the following year, when the troops marched to 
New York, he resigned. In 177(), he was appointed 
Major General of the militia of Massachusetts, but 
never acted in that capacity. After the formation of 
the constitution of this stale;, he was, for many years, 
speaker of the house of representatives. He was 

* In rof;artl to tlio parti(ri|)alion of fieii. W'.UTon in ori(2;in;iiing 
the system of comniiKoes ol' safety and corrcspontlonco, as rchitctl 
in till) liistoi'u's of (tu! war, l»y |)i>tli Dr. (Jonlon and Mrs. Waircn, 
and copied into Marsliall's liile of Washington, tlie fact is denied 
by Saiiiuel A. Wells, l']s(|. lie asserts that, troin (he most lh(>rou<;h 
investif;a(ii)n he has aseiM tained that (Jeoeial WaritMi had no share 
whatever in ori^inatinf; those eommiUees ; hot thai Samuel Adauiw 
Was the original proposur, and is ulonu entitled to thu honors. 



1808] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 237 

elected lieiit. e;ovemor under Plancock, in 1780, })iit 
declined the oflicc, as he did, also, that of judge of the 
supreme court, to which he had been appointed. He 
accepted, however, from congress, the appointment of 
commissioner of the navy hoard, at that time an ardu- 
ous and rcsponsijjle oflice, in which he served for some 
time. During the whole course of the revolution, he 
possessed, in a high degree, the confidence, not only 
of his fellow citizens in his native town, but, also, of 
many distinguished members of congress and other 
public agents, by whom he was habitually consulted, 
and his oj)inions treated with great respect. His cor- 
respondence was extensive, and much of it, we believe 
is still preserved. 

At the close of the war. General Warren retired from 
public employment to enjoy domestic ease and leisure, 
and d(3votc(l the remainder of his life principally to 
agriculiural improvements on hi farm, and to tlie culti- 
vation of the virtues best becoming an exemplary and 
respected private citizen. He was drawn from his re- 
tlroment, howc\cr, for a short period, to accept a seat 
in the council, and agaifi, in 1804,wlien he performed 
the last act of his long labors for the public, in the dis- 
charge of the duty of an elector of president, giving his 
vote lor Mr. .leiFerson. 

General Warren resided, for some some years during 
the war, at the splendid seat at Milton, formerly be- 
longing to Governor Hutchinson,* but returned to his 
former mansion in I*lymouth, at the corner of North 
street, where he died, November 28th, 1808, aged 
eiglity-two years, venerable from his age, and die val- 
uable services rendered to his country in the darkest 
and most trying periods of its history. 

General Wnrren married the daughter of the Hon. 
James Otis, of l^arnstahle, and sister to the celebrated 
patriot and orator of that name. This lady was the 

* The famous Hutchinson letters were carried to Gcnery.l War- 
ren's house, and read coiitidentially, belorc ihcy were published. 



238 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [ISlS 

author of a history of the war, and was, with her hus- 
band, a strenuous advocate of the principles of the re- 
volution, and, subsequently, of the Jefferson adminis- 
tration and politics. She survived her husband about 
six years, and died in 1814, at the age of eighty-six. 

They left two sons, James, who was, for several 
years, postmaster here, and Henry, who, for many 
years, held the office of collector for the district of 
Plymouth, and died July 6th, 1828, aged sixty-four 
years. This gentleman will long be remembered for 
his social qualities, his hospitality, and his gentlemanly 
deportment. 

1809. — The town voted to petition the state legisla- 
ture, that they devise and pursue such measures as 
their judgment shall dictate, to relieve the people from 
the severe pressure under which they are suffering 
from the embargo laws. 

1812. July. — At a meeting of the town, on ac- 
count of the momentous aspect of our public affairs, 
occasioned by an impending war, particularly distress- 
ing and ruinous to this section of our couatry, voted to 
memorialize the president on its impolicy and injus- 
tice, and to protest against an alliance with despotic 
France, whose friendship, more than its enmity, has 
been fatal to every other republic on the globe. 

The town was unanimous for peace and not for war. 

The memorial to the president was couched in re- 
spectful, yet firm language, reprobating the whole sys- 
tem of commercial rcttrictions, by embargo and war, 
as absolutely ruinous to the best interest of our coun- 
try, particularly the Eastern States. They entreat the 
president to interpose his power and influence to 
rescue them from scenes of horror, from the near 
prospects of which, hope, the solace of the wretched, 
flies away, and which, in their apprehensions, will en- 
danger the existence of the social compact ; praying 
him to avert the host of calamities that in repeated 
succession must follow a war with Great Britain. 



1813] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 239 

When hostilities had actually commenced the me- 
morial proceeds to reprobate the measure in the fol- 
lowing strong language : — Thus, Sir, with much brevi- 
ty, but with a frankness that the magnitude of the oc- 
casion demands, they have expressed their honest sen- 
timents upon the existing offensive war against Great 
Britain, a war by which their dearest interest as men 
and christians is deeply affected, and in which they de- 
liberately declare, as they cannot conscientously, so 
they will not have any voluntary participation. They 
make this declaration with that paramount regard to their 
civil and religious obligations, which becomes the dis- 
ciples of the Prince of Peace, whose kingdom is not of 
this world, and before whose im])artial tribunal presi- 
dents and kings will be upon a level with the meanest 
of their fellow men, and will be responsible for all the 
blood they shed in wanton and unnecessary war. Im- 
pressed with these solemn considerations, with an ar- 
dent love of country and high respect for the union of 
the states, your memorialists entreat the president im- 
mediately to begin the work of peace, with that unaf- 
fected dignity and undisguised sincerity, which distin- 
guished one of your illustrious predecessors, and they 
have the most satisfactory conviction, that upright, sin- 
cere efforts will secure success, while the land is un- 
defiled with the blood of its citizens, and before the 
demon of slaughter, thirsting for human victims, ' cries 
havoc and lets slip the dogs of war.' The town then 
passed several resolves, expressing, in the most un- 
equivocal language, their disapprobation of the war. 
They then passed a resolution, disapproving of the 
conduct of the representative of the district in con- 
gress, who advocated all the obnoxious war measures, 
and voted for the war, — which resolution, they voted, 
should be sent to the said representative. 

The arch stone bridge, over the town brook, was this 
year completed. 

1813. — The ship Sally, belonging to Boston, put 



240 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1815 

into this port from Canton, having, as passenger, a Chi- 
nese gentleman, Mr. Washey. He was a young man, 
tall and comely, but of dark complexion, of mild as- 
pect and pleasing manners.- He attended public wor- 
ship on the sabbath, and being habited in the costume 
of his country, attracted great attention. 

1814. — Being in a state of war with Great Britain, 
and the harbor and town constantly exposed to the 
attacks of British ships and barges, application was 
made to the towns of Kingston and Duxbury to unite 
in measures of defence for the harbor, which was com- 
plied with. A committee of vigilance and safety was 
appointed, and a night watch to patrole the streets. 
In June, a committee was appointed to make application 
to the governor and council, for a supply of the mu- 
nitions of war adequate to the defence of the town, and 
such other aid as may be deemed proper ; the request 
was promptly complied whh, the necessary munitions 
were supplied, and a regiment of militia, under the 
command of Col. Caleb Howard, was ordered to take 
their station here for our defence, which gave the place 
the aspect of a a garrison town, for several months. 

1815. — April 22d, died in this town the Hon. Wil- 
liam Watson, Esq. He was born May 6th, 1730, and 
graduated at Harvard college, 1751. This gentleman 
ranked himself among the respectable whigs and pa- 
triots of our revolution, and was ever a zealous advo- 
cate for the rights and liberties of his country. As a 
professor of religion he was exemplary, giving punctu- 
al attendance to its ordinances and duties. His moral 
virtue and integrity were unquestionable, and entitled 
him to the confidence of those authorities by whom he 
was appointed to public offices. In 1775, he was ap- 
pointed the first postmaster ever in this town, by our 
provincial congress ; and on the 2Sth September, 1782, 
he was by the general court appointed to the office of 
naval officer for the port of Plymouth. In 1789, he 
received a commission, under the hand of Washington, 



tl8l6] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 241 

as collector of the port of Plymouth, which office he 
sustained till 1803, when he was removed by the suc- 
ceeding president. In 1790, he was appointed, un- 
der the authority of the United States, Deputy Post- 
master, to officiate as postmaster at Plymouth. This 
last commission was signed by Timothy Pickering. 
Mr. Watson's children now living, are, Elizabeth, who 
is now the widow of Hon. Nathaniel Niles, and Ellen, 
the wife of Hon. John Davis. 

1816. — The town voted to employ Dr. Sylvanus 
Fancher to inoculate the inhabitants with the kine pox, 
at the expense of the town, which was done, and 2,800, 
chiefly of the young inhabitants, were vaccinated. 

May 17. — A committee, chosen by the town, to 
make inquiry into the conduct of retailers of spirituous 
liquors, re[)orts that they are deeply impressed with the 
magnitude of the evil, and with the serious conse- 
quences that will probably result to the rising genera- 
tion, if some seasonable check cannot be put to the 
^practice. Aware of the odium that attaches itself to 
those, who, from official duty are led to oppose the 
views and emoluments of interested individuals, we 
would not leave to the fathers of the town to encounter 
the hydra alone ; we would, therefore, recommend to 
every honest, discreet, and sober-minded inhabitant of 
the town, to set his face against the practice, as he 
would regard the interest, prosperity, and comfort of 
his fellow creatures, and would preserve the rising gen- 
eration from moral pollution and degeneracy, and that 
they would unite their efforts with those of the select- 
men and civil officers of the town, to discountenance 
and suppress this alarming, this crying sin. They 
would, also, recommend, that the selectmen, overlook- 
ing all past trangressions in this respect, be enjoined, 
peremptorily and perseveringly, to withhold their ap- 
probation from any person, who they shall hereafter 
know, or very strongly suspect, to be guilty ofaviolatioE 
of the law. 

21 



242 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1817 

Your committee hope they shall be excused, if they 
exceed the bounds of their commission, when they ex- 
press their firm conviction, that a systematic persever- 
ance in discharging the painful duty of putting under 
guardianship such citizens as are notoriously intemper- 
ate, will be one remedy, among others, of the evil in 
question.' The report was accepted. 

1817. December 22. — The J 87th anniversary of the 
memorable event of the landing of the forefathers was 
celebrated in the usual style. The discourse of this 
occasion was delivered by the Rev. Horace HoUey, of 
Boston, whose well-known oratorical powers were ex- 
erted in the happiest manner, and afforded great de- 
light and satisfaction to his numerous auditors. 

Mr. Holley contemplated the scenery about our har- 
bor, our burial hill, and the rock, and held a conversa- 
tion with Deacon Spooner in the morning, which rous- 
ed the best energies of his nature, and nerved his 
faculties to their noblest display. In his discourse he 
observed that he had that morning received some new 
recollections, and made the following allusion in refer- 
ence to the venerable Spooner. ' Our venerable friend 
knew and conversed with Elder Faunce, who personal- 
ly knew the first settlers, so Polycarp conversed with 
St. John, the beloved disciple of our Saviour.' 

On this interesting occasion, Deacon Spooner offici- 
ated by reading the Psalm, in the ancient form, line by 
line, and this closed the religious services of this ven- 
erable man, who, for so many years, had been con- 
stantly seen in his appropriate seat in the sanctuary of 
his God. He died on the sabbath, March, 22, 1S18, 
in the 83d year of his age. Rev. Mr. Kendall preached 
an occasional sermon on the following sabbath, taking 
for his text, ' The hoary head is a crow^n of glory, if it 
be found in the way of righteousness.' The following 
biographical sketch of the character of Deacon Spoon- 



1817] . HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 243 

er was written by an intimate and venerable companion 
and friend of the deceased.* 

' Died at Plymouth, on Lord's day morning, the Hon. 
Ephraim Spooner, in the S3d year of his age. 

'It would not merely be injustice to the deceased, but 
injury to the living, to suffer the life of a man distin- 
guished by such pre-eminent usefulness and active be- 
nevolence, as was that of Deacon Spooner, to pass un- 
noticed. 

' Deacon Spooner, by his native beneficent disposition, 
suavity of manners, and constant readiness to oblige, 
early recommended himself to general notice. In the 
intercourse of social life, the expressions of his civility 
and kindness were uncommonly ardent, and to stran- 
gers might appear to be somewhat overstrained ; but 
they who intimately knew him, can vouch with great 
confidence that he never made a tender of service in 
which he was not sincere, nor dispensed a favor that 
did not flow spontaneously from the heart ; and it may 
be safely added, that he never intentionally did a 
wrong thing, nor thought a mean one. His fellow- 
townsmen, impressed with his worth and assiduity, in- 
troduced him into the various respectable offices of 
the town, and his election as town-clerk for fifty-two 
years in succession, and which he retained until his 
death, amidst the struggles and conflicts of party, satis- 
factorily evince the upright and faithful manner with 
which he discharged the respective offices he sustained. 

'In opposifion to the iniquitous system of policy a- 
dopted by Great Britain to enthral her colonies, his 
whole soul was engaged. As his industry was continu- 
al, nothing in his power was left unessayed to promote, 
in his language, the glorious cause, and the writer of 
this article could mention instances of sacrifices he of- 
fered at the shrine of his country, and of wonderful 
exertions he made to procure subsistence for the indi- 

* Hon. Joshua Thomas. 



244 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1817 

gent during the distressing period of the war of the 
revolution, that would excite the admiration of all men 
acquainted with the common principles of human ac- 
tions. But his patriotism, though in a high degree 
zealous, had not the least tincture of bitterness, and in 
the distribution of his charilieSj party feeling had no par- 
ticipation, — a pure philanthropy seemed to have mark- 
ed him for her own. 

' Universal good-will being so conspicuous a feature 
in the character of Deacon Spooner, it is unnecessary 
to state the warmth of his affection in the relation of 
husband and parent, or the ardor of his attachment 
as a friend. 

' In the year 1790, he was appointed by the Execu- 
tive, an associate justice of what is called the old 
court of common pleas, and held this office till that 
court was abolished. Being educated a merchant, 
his friends cannot claim for him great information in 
legal science ; but a quick, natural discernment, and 
inflexible rectitude of intention, generally guided him 
to correct decisions. If any mistaken bias was ever 
discovered in his opinions, it was insensibly produced 
by his strong sympathies with the unfortunate. He 
represented the town of Plymouth in the legislature 
several years with his usual activity and perseverance., 
and finished his political career as a member of the 
Executive Council. 

' But the highest point in the character of Deacon 
Spooner is yet to be named. He was from full con- 
viction a christian, and for more than fifty years, made 
public profession of his religion, and for thirty-four 
years, officiated in the office of deacon at the altar of 
the First Church of Christ in Plymouth, and the first in 
New England, ivithout blemish. Imbibing the heaven- 
ly temper of his master, like him he went about -doing 
good, whenever opportunity presented, without cold 
calculations, on the measure of his ability ; ' and in the 
meekness of his opposition and mildness of censure^'' 



1817] HISTORY OF PLYiMOUTH. 245 

resembled the belov^ed disciple. His piety was with- 
out bigotry, and his devotion without enthusiasm. 
No abstruse polemic divinity, no metaphysical disqui- 
sitions on the nature of faith, perplexed the simpli- 
city of his creed, and alienated him from his fellow 
christians ; piety to God and benevolence to man 
being with him the sole test of orthodoxy and disci- 
pleship. 

' But about four weeks before his own death. Deacon 
Spooner buried his wife, with whom he had lived fifty- 
five years in the most entire harmony, walking cheer- 
fully together in the christian course, and in the ordi- 
nances of the gospel ; and the pious fortitude and calm 
resignation he exhibited on that occasion will not 
admit of doubt that they are again united in shouting 
the divine praises. 

' Accept, venerable departed shade, this small 
tribute of respect to the memory of thy friendship, 
greatly beloved in life, deeply lamented in death.' 

A peculiar courtesy and politeness of manners, and 
good feeling were inherent in the nature of our deceas- 
ed friend. Numerous amusing anecdotes characteris- 
tic of the man might be adduced, but they must be 
omitted. 

Mr. Spooner was a genuine philanthropist, and no 
man was more ready to interpose the kind office of 
friendship towards a neighbor. So ardent was his 
patriotism, and such his influence, that on more than 
one occasion when the town was driven to great 
extremity for money for the purpose of raising soldiers 
for the army, and procuring supplies for them and for 
their families, he had the address to obtain a loan of a 
wealthy gendeman who was a royalist. Deacon 
Spooner married Elizabeth ShurtlefF, and their surviv- 
ing children are Sally, James and Ebenezer. 

March 8^A.— Died in this town Nathaniel Goodwin, 
Esq., aged seventy years. He was the son of a 
respectable merchant, and was educated to that pro- 
21* 



246 HISTORY or Plymouth. [1820 

fession ur>der parental care in early life. He estab- 
lished himself by a commendable course of industry 
and perseverance. He was found among the active 
patriots of our revolution, and entered the public ser- 
vice in the office of major of railitiay and was attached 
to colonel Gerrish's regiment, stationed at Boston 
and Cambridge, to guard the convention troops taken 
under Burgoyne at Saratoga, He was also in the ex- 
pedition on Rhode Island, in the capacity of major, in 
1778. Subsequently he was promoted to the rank of 
brigadier, and that of major-general of militia, which 
office he sustained with honor until his death. He 
was for many years a representative to our legislature, 
and an acting magistrate, and displayed the qualities 
of an impartial judge. In all his avocations he was 
found capable and assiduous as a useful citizen, 
and was held in respect for his probity, integrity and 
other moral virtues. General Goodwin left sons and 
daughters, one of whom is Rev. Ezra S. Goodwin, of 
Sandwich. 

1820. — As the present year closes the second centu- 
ry since the pilgrim fathers first landed on our shores, a 
respectable number of the inhabitants of this town, 
impelled by a sense of duty and pious gratitude to 
divine Providence, have instituted a society, which was 
by our legislature incorporated February 24th, by the 
name of Pilgrim Society. The design of this associa- 
tion is to commemorate this great historical event, and 
to perpetuate the character and virtues of our ancestors 
to posterity. In accordance with these views they 
proceeded to erect a durable monumental edifice in 
this town, for the accommodation of the meetings of 
said society, and as a memorial sacred to the memory 
of the founders of our empire. 

Centennial Celebration of the Landing of the Pil- 
grinis, December 22d. — The period now recurs when 
we commemorate with peculiar solemnity the momenl- 
m\s event which gave birth and existence to our nation, 



1820] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 247 

with all which is valuable in the civil, literary and re- 
ligious establishments in New England. This day com- 
pletes the second century since our shores were first 
impressed by the footsteps of civilized men. The 
Pilgrim Society desirous of giving to (he solemnities 
appropriate dignity and permanent effect,, selected a 
gentleman of the first talents, Hon. Daniel Webster, as 
their orator. After a well adapted prayer by the 
Rev. Dr. Kirkland, president of Harvard University, 
the speaker entertained the audience for about two 
hours. This address was all that could be anticipated 
or conceived. It was correct in its historical state- 
ments, powerful in argument, rich in description, and 
pathetic and eloquent in action. The characters and 
principles, the sufferings and virtues of the pilgrim pu- 
ritans were portrayed with great justice and felicity. 
The useful and glorious efforts of their wisdom and en- 
terprise, and independent love of truth, were fully dis- 
played to the judgement and feelings of an intelligent 
and delighted audience. But we are sensible of the 
difficulty of doing justice to this appropriate and splen- 
did performance, and must refer to the discourse itself 
for a just sense of its pre-eminent merits. The con- 
course of people was immense, far more numerous than 
on any former occasion ; and a great portion of them 
from our most distinguished and respectable citizens. 
A procession was formed at 11 o'clock, soon after the 
business of the Pilgrim Society was transacted, and es- 
corted by the Standish Guards^ a neat independent com- 
pany lately organized, and commanded by Capt. Coom- 
er Weston, moved through the main street of the town 
to the meeting house, and, after the services of the 
sanctuary, was attended by the same corps to the new 
court-house, where they sat down to an elegant, though 
simple repast, provided in a style very proper for the 
occasion, where the company was served with the- 
treasures both of the land and the sea. Among other 
affecting memorials calling to mind the distresses of 



248 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1820 

the pilgrims, was five kernels of parched corn placed 
on each plate, alluding to the time in 1623, when that 
was the proportion allowed to each individual on ac- 
count of the scarcity. John Watson, Esq., respectable 
by years, and dignified by his gentlemanly manners, 
and the only surviving member of the Old Colony Club, 
presided during the hours of dinner. Tlie Hon. Joshua 
Thomas, president of the Pilgrim Society, to the great 
regret of the gentlemen present, was prevented from 
attending, by severe illness. Mr. Watson was assisted 
by Hon. William Davis, of Plymouth, and Alden Brad- 
ford, Esq., of Boston ; and the following gentlemen, by 
request of the president, acted as vice-presidents, viz. 
Hon. T. Bigelow, Hon. L. Lincoln, William Jackson, 
Esq., Judah Alden, Esq., William R. Rotch, Esq., and 
F. C. Gray, Esq. Good humour and good feelings 
were displayed in every countenance and expressed 
by a constant interchange of friendly greetings and ar- 
dent congratulations ; and such was the decorum and 
propriety of deportment through the day, that even the 
stern pilgrims might have looked dow^n without rebuke. 
After the regular toasts were announced, Mr. Bradford 
rose and observed to the members of the Pilgrim So- 
ciety (and the company) that he had been requested 
by their president. Judge Thomas, to express his great 
regret in not being able to join them in the solemnities 
of the day; to assure them that he had anticipated the 
joyous celebration with peculiar interest and pleasure, 
and that while life was continued to him, it would be 
his ardent wish to promote the objects of the associa- 
tion, in cherishing a grateful remembrance of the vir- 
tues of the pilgrims, and in giving his support to their 
principles and institutions. The following, communi- 
cated by Judge Thomas, was then given and received 
with great approbation ; and the cry of encore, encore, 
was repeated from every part of the hall. ' Our Fore- 
fathers' Creed ; Law, Liberty and Religion : If their 



1820] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 249 

descendants would preserve the two first, let them not 
expunge the third article.' * 

Hon. Judge Davis then proposed a toast for the 
health of Judge Thomas, whose cheering society and 
accej)table superintendence we had been accustomed 
to enjoy on these anniversaries. 

After the first toast was drank, the Hon. Judge Da- 
vis, President of the Historical Society, who, with sev- 
eral of the members had been appointed a committee 
to congratulate the Pilgrim Society on this interesting 
occasion, addressed them as follows : — 

^Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Pilgrim Society, 
— The celebration of this memorable day, which ex- 
cites such just and general notice, could not fail to en- 
gage the attention of the Massachusetts Historical So- 
ciety. Their pursuits are in unison with the objects of 
your association, and they cheerfully accept your invi- 
tation to this interesting festival. In behalf of that so- 
ciety, and as chairm.an of their committee, appointed 
for this purpose, it is my grateful office to present to 
you their congratulations and to express their cordial 
sympathy in the sentiments of veneration which you so 
eminently cherish for the founders of our race. 

' With this manifestation of their fraternal regard, 
permit me, in their behalf, to request your acceptance 
of an entire copy of their collections. By these pub- 
lications, many precious memorials of our ancestors 
have been rescued from oblivion, and we would wish 
them to find a place in the hbrary of your instilution. 

' The annual celebrations of the landing of the fa- 
thers on this memorable ground, have been uniformly 
regarded with complacency. Statesmen, sages and 
scholars, the busy and the contemplative, the aged and 
the young, all delight to participate in the pious recol- 
lections with which you are animated. 

* Judge Thomas's toast alluded to the third article in our Bill of 
Rights; the question of expunging it was then under consideration 
in the state convention. 



250 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1820 

'The toils and perils of suffering virtue — the objects 
and aims, the struggles and the rewards of the pilgrims, 
furnish a most instructive lesson, and are reviewed with 
tender emotions. In them the painter finds a subject 
for the happiest effort of his pencil — poetry offers her 
garland, and the sons of genius are emulous of your 
appointment to the principal performance of the day. 
This is no common holyday. On the present occa- 
sion, the completion of the second century since the 
landing of our fathers, the impressions habitually con- 
nected with your celebrations assume a deeper interest. 
Visitors from every direction repair to your respected 
residence, and many of the fair daughters of the land, 
regardless of the severity of the season, express a kin- 
dred spirit with the wives and daughters of the pil- 
grims, and unite in your reverential homage. Scenes, 
which are to you familiar, attract the attention of your 
guests. They gaze on the wintry wave which dashes 
on your shore, for there they seem to espy the ap- 
proaching shallops ; and on that shore they trace, in 
imagination, the footsteps of the unsheltered wander- 
ers. They survey the streams, and drink at the springs 
which invited the weary exiles here to commence their 
settlement. They ascend the height, where yet are seen 
the outlines of the first footsteps of the Pilgrims, and 
their first place of worship. There rest the remains 
of the departed worthies. No monument to their 
memory appears in the hallowed ground ; but every 
heart erects a monument, while it dwells with holy mu- 
sings on the life and death of the righteous, on the sure 
resurrection of the just. 

' It is a happy privilege to live to witness this day, 
and to unite with kindred minds in its services. To 
the Pilgrim Society is committed the dignified trust of 
perpetuating these filial observances. Under such aus- 
pices, we are assured that these annual solemnities will 
ever preserve their just and appropriate character. 
Most cordially, gentlemen, do we wish prosperity and 
honor to your institution. 



1820] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 251 

' The purposes of its establishment are generous and 
elevated. They touch the heart, and open to the in- 
tellectual view the most impressive considerations ; for 
truth, freedom, patriotism, social order, religion, all the 
lofty aims and characteristics of humanity are associa- 
ted with the objects of your society, and with the inci- 
dents which we are assembled to commemorate. Your 
recollections will attest that this is no exaggeration, and 
what we have this day heard, affords abundant confirm- 
ation of the rich variety which the ' short and simple 
annals of the poor,' can furnish for the exercise of in- 
tellectual energy and discriminating observation. We 
have witnessed the affecting and sublime reflection pre- 
sented to a devout and benevolent mind, from the brief 
history of our ancestors ; and the auspicious consequen- 
ces, springing from the most humble beginnings, are 
consoling to every friend of man, and encouraging to 
the cause of truth and virtue. 

^The "stricken deer that left the herd" were not 
destined to perish; the wilderness and the solitary 
place are glad for them, and the desert blossoms as the 
rose.^ 

The Rev. Dr. Kendall, one of the trustees of the 
Pilgrim Society, by their request, and in their behalf, 
replied with great feeling and propriety. He spoke of 
the great respectability and utility of the Historical So- 
ciety, by the instrumentality of which so much that 
was important and interesting in the early history of 
the country, and particularly of the adventures and 
principles of the pilgrim fathers was collected and 
preserved. In referring to the virtues and sufferings, 
the faith and piety of our fathers, he paid a just tribute 
to their precious memories ; and expressed a hope, 
that these celebrations, devoted to the recollection of 
their services in the cause of religion and the rights of 
conscience, would have the happy effect of strengthen- 
ing our love of pure and unadulterated Christianity, 
and increasing our attachment to the correct priaci- 



252 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1820 

pies, the moral habits and social virtues, the civil and 
religious institutions of the puritan founders of New 
England, to whose zeal and firmness and persever- 
ance we owe so much. 

The Hon. Mr. Lincoln, one of the vice-presidents, 
of the American Antiquarian Society, also offered their 
congratulations to the members of the Pilgrim Society, 
and mude the following address : 

^Mr. President — The American Antiquarian Socie- 
ty, by their attending officers and members, beg to be in- 
dulged the pleasure of publicly proffering the most cor- 
dial congratuladons to the Pilgrim Society, upon their 
organization, and upon the auspicious circumstances 
under which they are convened on this highly interest- 
ing occasion. The spot endeared by all the associated 
recollections of the first landing of our forefathers is 
best consecrated to their fame, by the joyous commem- 
oration of their valor and virtues, and a grateful recog- 
nition of the privations they patiently endured, of the 
difficulties they triumphantly encountered, and of the 
work they gloriously accomplished. Two centuries 
have now passed since in the rigor of an inclement 
season, in the desolation of a wilderness, amidst sava- 
ges and beasts of prey, the tread of Christians im- 
pressed these shores with the first footsteps of civiliza- 
tion. The hazard in corporeal existence which they 
incurred, the struggle for self-preservation which they 
maintained, their undaunted energy in danger, their un- 
bending integrity in temptation, their pious resignation 
in suffering, their fear and worship of God, and their 
regard for and love of each other, are themes, which, on 
every occasion of remembrance, swell with enthusias- 
tic admiration the hearts of their descendants. Forev- 
er cherished be these recollections ! Forever honored 
be the names and characters of the pilgrims ! On ev- 
ery recurring anniversary of their landing may this first 
scene of their trials and their sufferings, their conflicts 
and their endurance, be hallowed by the personal hom- 



d820] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 253 

acre of those wlio are worthy to inherit the rich fruits 
of their triumph. May the Pils^rim Society euunently 
flourish, and with its success may puhhc gratitude be 
excited towards all those enlightened, munificent and 
patriotic men by whose merits and exertions the occa- 
sion has hitherto been liad in honor, and who are now 
associated to make the record of that occasion perma- 
nent.' . , TIT O 

By the request of the president, Mr. Secretary 
Bradford, a trustee of the Pilgrim Society addressed the 
officers and members of the Antiquarian Society, who 
were present, as a delegation specially appointed, and 
• observed that the honorable notice taken of the Pil- 
grim Society, and the approbation expressed as to its 
views and objects, were highly gratifying to the mem- 
bers of the association ; that the generous congratula- 
tions, tendered on the occasion, were cordially recipro- 
cated ; that the best wishes of the friends of our lore- 
fathers attended the American Antiquarian Society lor 
success in- their honorable purposes, and expressed a 
hope thatthe result of their several associations Avould be 
a more extensive and efficient sentiment m favor ot 
the civil and rehgious institutions ol our beloved coun- 

^^^m B 's reply was made without opportunity for 
preparation. The above-mentioned societies had been 
invited by the Pilgrim Society to attend the celebra- 

^'°A splendid ball in the evening closed the festivi- 
tiesof this memorable day. The company was numer- 
ous beyond any ever recollected to have been convened 

in that place. . , a tu^ 

The hall was decorated with great taste, and the 
costume of the ladies was at once beautiful and uniform, 
as if there had been an understanding to avoid mere 
show and expense, and to study appropriate simplicity 
united with real ele2;ance ; and it was indeed a pleasant 
scene, where we might look around on a company af 
22 



254 ^ HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1821 

six hundred of different ages, among whom innocent 
mirth, and social feelings were so eminently prevalent. 
And it is also highly satisfactory to reflect that the 
amusements, such as these, where excess is avoided 
and the more sober spirit of age sheds an influ- 
ence to restrain all improper levity, are not incompati- 
ble with a love of genuine virtue and respect for the 
stern characters of our pious and venerated ancestors. 

The inhabitants of this most ancient town in New 
England were highly gratified by the collection of re- 
speciabie citizens from all parts of the state ; and those 
who made this pleasant pilgrimage to the rock of our 
fathers were equally gratified by the attention, civility 
and hospitality shown them by the families residing on 
this consecrated spot. The object of the Pilgrim Soci- 
ety was highly approved, and many new members were 
added on the 22d inst. 

Mr. Webster's Oration soon passed through three 
editions, and the generous spirited author would not ap- 
propriate any part of the profits of the copy-right to 
himself, but presented it as a donation to the Pilgrim 
Society, by which one hundred dollars were added to 
its funds. 

January 10. — Expired in this town, the Hon. Josh- 
ua Thomas. He was born in 1751, and was descend- 
ed from one of the most respectable families in the 
colony, his ancestor being William Thomas, o{ Marsh- 
field, who was a particular friend of governor Wins- 
Jow, and settled near him. 

Judge Thomas was the son of Dr. William Thomas, 
an eminent physician in this town, who lived to an ad- 
vanced age. The following sketch of our distinguished 
townsman is taken from the Collections of the Historical 
Society, vol. x. 2d series. 

' Mr. Thomas received his education at Harvard 
University, and was considered one of the first scholars 
in the large class of which he was a member. He was 
particularly distinguished for a flowing and elegant style 



1821] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 255 

of writing, and in subsequent periods of bis life he 
gave repealed evidence of tbis liappy talent. He was 
graduated in July, 1772. Afier passing a few monlbs 
in teaching youth, (an ennployment in wliicb, formerly, 
some of the best scholars in the state engaged for 
a short period, on leaving the university,) he gave his 
attention to theological studies, with a view to the cler- 
ical profession. But he was never employed in its 
public services. The political controversy with Great 
Britain, which was now becoming highly interesting 
and approaching to a crisis, seems to have engaged his 
chief attention, as it did that of other patriots of that 
eventful period. He was adjutant of a regiment of 
newly organized militia, raised in Plymouth county in 
the autumn of 1774; and, at their request he deliver- 
ed a public address on the political state of the country, 
which was received with great approbation and ap- 
plause. 

* In April, 1775, soon after the batde of Lexington, 
Col. John Thomas, of Kingston, who had been an of- 
ficer in 1758, raised a regiment, and marched, with 
others, to Roxbnry. Here he acted for some months, 
as commander of the several regiments encamped at 
that place, with the rank of general, while general 
Ward commanded at Cambridge, and was actually 
commander in chief of the Massachusetts troops, until 
the arrival of general Washington, in July following, 
who had received a commission to command the 
American forces of all the colonies. Mr. Thomas was 
aid to general Thomas at this period, and for this whole 
campaign ; and his intelligence and activity rendered him 
highly useful to the general, and the division under his 
command. 

' In the same capacity he accompanied general 
Thomas, in the spring of 1776, to Ticonderoga and 
Crown Point, on Lake Champlain, who was entrusted 
with the chief command of the American troops in that 
quarter. After a few months service on that expedi- 



255 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [I82P 

tion, general Thomas died, and ibe command devolvecJ' 
on general Schuyler, of New York. Major Thomas 
then left the army and returned to his native town, 
where lie engaged in the study of the law, and was oc-^ 
casionally employed by government in various agencies- 
for the public service ; but did not again go into the 
field. 

* In the year 1781, he was elected a representative 
from Plymouth, and after serving the town in this ca- 
pacity for several years, he was chosen one of the sen- 
ators (cfir that county, and, in 1792, was appointed 
judge of probate on the decease of the Hon. Joseph' 
Gushing. This office he sustained until his death, a' 
period of tweniy-nine years ; and its various duties 
were discharged with a correctness and integrity, with 
an impartiality and patience never exceeded, perhaps 
by any one, and which secured to him the esteem and 
respect of the whole county. There was such amenity 
in his manners, and such a spirit of accommodation in 
tiie discharge of his official duties, as well as in the pri- 
vate circle, that all who associated with him, either for 
public business or social converse, were pleased and 
delighted. His memory was uncommonly retentive, 
and he was full of anecdotes calculated to illustrate the 
opinions and manners of men of former days, particu- 
larly of the patriots and statesmen of 1 775. He was 
fond of perusing the works of ethical and theological 
writers. His reading was very extensive on these sub- 
jects. He was well acquainted with the various sys-^ 
terns of theology in the christian world ; but gave his de- 
cided preference to that, which is now denominated 
unitarian and hberal. He went to th^ fountain of inspi- 
ration for his religious sentiments ; he admitted no- 
other authority as decisive but the bible ; and this, he 
believed, every one was bound to examine and interpret 
for himself; yet he approved, generally of the writings 
of Price, and Watson, of Mayhew, Chauncy, and others 
©£ llieir catholic views. In his political character b© 



1821} HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 257 

ranked among the ardent friends of rationnl freedom, 
and was a true disciple of the Washington school. 
Though an enemy to arbitrary rulers, who forgot 
right and attempted to exercise illegal and unconstitu- 
tional power, he w^as a firm supporter of all legitimate 
authority, and a ready advocate of law and order. In 
the various critical periods of the commonwealth, 
during his active life, he united his efforts, with other 
good men, in vindicating correct constitutional princi- 
ples, in opposition to popular excitements and party 
feelings. 

*^His qualities as a parent, neighbor, and friend were 
peculiarly happy and commendable. He was indul- 
gent, mild, generous, disinterested. As a lawyer, al- 
so, he shared largely in the esteem and confidence of 
the people. He was too honorable to impose on the 
ignorant, or to exact even the usual fees for profession- 
al business of the poorer classes. Most men, with the 
portion of business which he had as a lawyer, and with- 
out a charge of dishonesty, would have accumulated 
much more than he did. He was many years presi- 
dent of the bar in Plymouth county ; and the following 
vote, passed, unanimously, at the first court holden in 
in that county, after his decease, fully shows the high 
estimation, which his brethren of the profession had of 
his talents and character. '' The bar, taking into con- 
sideration the afflicting dispensation of Providence, in 
removing by death, their highly respectable president, 
the Hon. Joshua Thomas, distinguished by his literary 
and legal acquirements, his moral and social virtues, 
and with a deep sense of the loss which the comrnuni- 
ty in general have sustained by this melancholy event, 
do resolve, that they will, in token of their lespect for 
his memory, wear crape from this time lill the end of 
the next term of the supreme judicial court for this 
county." 

' The honorable notice taken of our friend by Judge 
Putnam, at a session of the supreme judicial court in 
22* 



258 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [182! 

Plymouth, in May, 1821, z.t the first term thereof in 
the new court house, is worthy of preservation. " Alas I 
that our joy, on this interesting occasion, should be mix- 
ed with grief for the loss of that exc(*llent and venera- 
ble man, who presided in your courts, and was so long 
the widow's friend, and father of the fatherless. This 
temple of justice is but one of the durable proofs of his 
influence, and of the never-failing confidence, which your 
people had in his integrity and judgement. His respect- 
ed name will descend with distinguished honor to pos^ 
terity : but the benignity of his countenance and man- 
ners can be properly estimated only by those, who had 
the happiness to know him. If he were here to day^ 
be would rejoice with you, because he would have be- 
lieved that this well-timed liberality will be productive 
of lasting honor and benefit to the country, as well as to 
the state. He was fully impressed with that venera- 
tion for the laws and for the magistracy, which will ev- 
er be associated with these walls." 

' When a Bible Society was formed in the counties 
of Plymouth and Norfolk, in 1814, he was chosen pre- 
sident, and so continued to the time of his death. He 
was also president of the Pilgrim Society, and his death 
is deeply lamented by all its members. The regrets 
of the Historical Society are mingled with those ofoth- 
ejs, with whom he was associated for useful and patri- 
otic purposes ; and they improve the earliest opportu- 
nity to record this sketch of his character and services 
from a respectful regard for his memory, and as an in- 
citement to others to honorable exertion for the good 
of the public and of posterity.' 

Judge Thomrs mairied Isabella Stevenson ; and their 
descendants are John Boise, Wilham, and Joshua Bar- 
ker. 

The town purchased of the court of sessions of the 
county, the old court house, for the sum of $2,000, to 
be appropriated as a Town House. 

JlpriL — The town voted that the court of sessions 
©f the county may make any walks or improvement on 



1823J HISTOKY OF PLYMOUTH. 259 

the town's land in front of the new court house, or in 
any way ornament the same with trees or posts, he, 
leaving a sufficient road open on each side ; but no build- 
ing whatever to be erected on the land. 

J\lay 29. — The town voted to instruct their repre- 
sentative in general court to use every reasonable effort 
for better regulating and diminishing the sale and use 
of spirituous liquoi's, and for preventing pauperism. 

Voted, also, that the selectmen be requested to 
address the selectmen of the several towns in the 
county, furnishing them with a copy of the above vote, 
and request their co-operation therewith ; either on 
their own responsibility, or by laying the subject 
before their several towns respectively. 

1822. — The town voted to petition the legislature 
to pass a law prohibiting fires in the woods, by coal- 
pits in Plymouth, Sandwich, Carver, Wareham and 
Kingston. 

Mr. Ichabod Shaw, died this year, aged eighty- 
seven. He was descended from John Shaw, of an 
ancient and respectable family, who was among our 
first settlers, and located himself in Middlebo- 
rough. He was an ingenious and industrious artist, 
possessing a sagacious mind, and was held in regard 
for his fiiendly and social qualities. He was strongly 
attached to the names of the pilgrim fathers, and was 
himself an exemplifier of their simple manners and 
virtues. He married a daughter of deacon John 
Atwood of this town, and was the parent of five sons 
and seven daughters. 

182:3. December 22. — This day brings us to the 
203d year eince the landing of the pilgrims in this 
place. The semi-annual meeting of the Pilgrim 
Society was held, agreeably to the provision of their 
constitution. The interesting associations and pleas- 
ing recollections of the occasion were awakened and 
indulged, but the a])prnpriate public performances were 
dispensed with. Several parties of the younger class 
resorted to the salutary amusement at the dancing 



260 HISTORY OF PLYMQUTH. [1824 

halls. The Standish Guards, an elegant indepen- 
dent company, commanded by Capt. Coomer Weston, 
paraded, and marched through the streets, visited the 
rock, and dined in public, wliere a number of appropri- 
ate toasts were pronounced. 

1824. January 26. — At a meeting of the inhab- 
itants of the town, it was voted to petition congress 
for aid in repairing the beach. The petition expresses 
a grateful acknowledgment for the appropriations here- 
tofore made, for surveying and securing the harbor of 
Plymouth ; after which it proceeds to represent, ' that, 
since the landing of our ancestors in 1620, this beach 
has been gradually wasting. From the year 1784 to 
the present lime, repairs have been necessary for its 
preservation; and since the year 1806, the sum of 
$40,000 has been expended in repairing it. This 
sum has been raised by grants from this staie, by con- 
tributions of individuals, and by taxes assessed on your 
memorialists. The repairs, thus made, have hitherto 
warranted the belief, that with our means, though 
small, we should be able to preserve it without further 
aid from the public, such, however, has been the de- 
struction, by the late violent storms, of the northern 
extremity of the beach, heretofore considered the most 
permanent, as well as the most important, and where 
repairs have not been considered requisite, that your 
memorialists are satisfied it is wholly beyond their 
means to make the repairs necessary to preserve it. 

' Your memorialists forbear to describe the distress 
that the destruction of this beach will bring upon the 
inhabitants of the ports of Plymouth and Kingston, in 
the loss of their property and employments ; nor 
would they particularly remind you of the hopeless 
situation in which our nutnerous class of fishermen 
would thereby be placed, who, from their youth, have 
had no other employment than in the fisheries ; but 
they would most respectfully place the merits of their 
appeal on the importance of this harbor to the com- 
merce, navigation, and revenue of the country. 



1824] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 261 

' Tliere are now, belonging lo the ports of Plymouth 
and Kingston, two ships, fourteen brigs, sixty-five 
schooners, and fifteen sloops, measuring 8,228 tons, 
which vessels are employed partly in foreign trade, 
partly in the coasting trade, and partly in the whale, 
cod, and mackerel fisheries. 

'The amount of duties secured on imports in the 
district of Plymouth within the last three years, is 
$65,574 67, four-fifths of which amount were secur- 
ed on importations at this port. This harbor is often 
frequented by vessels, when by adverse winds they are 
driven from their ports of destination north of this 
district ; and during the inclement seasons of the year, 
vessels are often saved from shipwreck by entering it. 
It is also of great national importance in time of war. 
It is the only harbor, south of Boston, in the Massa- 
chusetts Bay, embracing a sea coast of more than one 
hundred and fifty miles, in which vessels can then 
anchor in safety from the enemy. During the wars 
in which this country has been engaged, a large 
amount of property has been saved to individuals, and 
of revenue to the government, which, without this 
safe retreat, would have been lost. During the last 
war, many vessels were thus saved. The duties 
arising on the cargoes of two vessels amounted to J 154,- 
836 21, which, without this harbor, would have inevit- 
ably fallen into the hands of the enemy. From 
March, 1S13, to May, 1814, was perhaps the most 
gloomy period of the war. The ships of the enemy 
were almost constantly cruising in the Massachusetts 
Bay. Yet, during this short and perilous period, the 
duties secured at' this port on the cargoes of vessels, 
that escaped the ships of the enemy and found safety 
in this harbor, amounted to the sum of $20,318 32. 
By the public surveys it also appears, that ships of 
the line can anchor with safety in this harbor, which 
may be considered as increasing the interest the pub- 
lic have in its preservation. 



262 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1824 

* Your memoralists, having thus briefly stated the im- 
portance of this harbor to themselves and ihe public, 
and their inability to make the repairs on ihe beach 
which are necessary to its preservation, do pray your 
honorable body to take the subject into consideration, 
and to grant them such aid in repairing it as to your 
wisdom may appear proper.' Subsequent to this me- 
morial, congress made g^rants amounting to $43,566 for 
the repairs. See under head Beach. 

Monumental Edifice. September 1. — The funds of 
the Pilgrim Society, being thoui;ht sufficient to warrant 
the trustees in commencing the budding of a monu- 
mental edifice, the corner-stone was this day laid, with 
appropriate solemnities. This edifice is to be seventy 
by forty feet, with walls of unwrought split granite ; the 
height from the top of the foundation to the eave cor- 
nice being about thirty-three feet, forms two stories. 
The lower room is to be about ten feet in the clear 
of the ceiling; and the upper to the impost moulding 
about twenty feet, to which being added the curve of 
the ceiling is about twenty-three feet. The present 
contract extends no farther than to enclose the main 
building. It is intended, as soon as the state of the 
funds will justify, to form the front by an addition of 
about twenty feet, with a double tier of steps, having 
entrance to ihe upper room and by descent to the low- 
er. The front will be finished with a Doric portico on 
four columns, of about twenty feet in height, the base 
of which will be from three to four feet above the level 
of the street. The situation presents a full view of 
the river and outer harbor. 

The Pilgrim Society, under the escort of the Stand- 
ish Guards, proceeded to the meeting house, where in- 
tercession was made by the Rev. Mr. Kendall, select 
passages of scripture were read by Rev. Mr. Willis, of 
Kingston, and an address on the character and virtues 
of our fathers was delivered by Alden Bradford, Esq., 
reaching the hearts of his hearers as it came warm 



1824] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 265 

from his own. The solemnities of the church were 
closed by singing a hymn in the tune of Old Hundred, 
after the ancient manner, line by line. The society 
under the same escort, and preceded by the children 
of the several schools, then proceeded to the site of 
the proposed building, laid the corner stone, when the 
venerable President, John Watson, Esq., recounted 
some of the highly valued privileges of our descent. 
He expressed his gratitude that his life had been spared 
to witness these solemnities ; and after the filial zeal 
of the present generation shall be attested, in the com- 
pletion of this monument 'to perpetuate the virtues of 
the pilgrims,' he would say, like the patriarch of old, 
JVow let thy servant depart in peace. The Rev. Dr. 
Allyne expressed our sense of dependence on the Al- 
mighty architect for the success of this, and all our la- 
bors, and supplicated a divine blessing. Thus in good 
earnest have we laid the foundation of ' a monument 
to perpetuate the memory of the virtues, the enter- 
prise, and unparalleled sufferings of the men who first 
settled in this ancient town,' where for ages their de- 
scendants may repair and trace their feeble beginnings, 
and contemplate the astonishing results, that a benefi- 
cent Deity has annexed to the resolute, unwearied, 
conscientious performance of the duties of piety and 
benevolence. 

The following articles were deposited in an exca- 
vation made in the stone for that purpose. 

Deposits. — Sermon delivered at Plymouth by Rob- 
ert Cushman, December 12th, 1621. 

First Newspaper printed in the Old Colony, by 
Nathaniel Coverly, at Plymouth, in 1786. 

Coins of the United States, and of Massachusetts. 

Odes composed for the Anniversary. 

Constitution of the Pilgrim Society, and the Nanaes 
of its Members. 

Daniel Webster's Century Oration for 1820. 

Massachusetts Register. 



264 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1824 

Old Colony Memorial began in May, 1822, by Al- 
len Danforth. 

Columbian Centinel, by Henjamin Russell, contain- 
ing an account of the entry of General Lafayette into 
the city of Boston. 

Plate. — ' In grateful memory of our ancestors, who 
exiled themselves from their native country, for the sake 
of religion, and here successfully laid the foundation 
of Freedom and Empire, December xxii. A. D. 
MDCXX. their descendants, the Pilgrim society, have 
raised this edifice, August xxxi. A. D. MDCCCXXIV. 
A. Parris, Architect. 
J. &i A. S. Taylor, Builders. 
H. Morse, Sc' 

1824. — In the summer of the present year a general 
joy was diffused though the United States by the ar- 
rival on our shores of that illustrious friend of our 
country General Lafayette. All ranks of people and 
all public bodies vied in homage and respect to this 
great personage. 

The morning after the arrival of General Lafayette 
in Boston, Dr. Thatcher called on him, with the sub- 
joined letter from the selectmen of Plymouth, in be- 
half of the citizens of the town. 

' Plymouth, Mass. August 2\st, 1824. 
' General Lafayette, 

' Sir : the inhabitants of this town cordially unite with 
their fellow-citizens, in bidding you a sincere welcome 
to the United States. Living on the spot where their 
ancestors, the founders of the American Republic, 
first landed and settled, the inhabitants cherish a deep 
interest for those who have aided the cause for which 
they emigrated to these shores ; which cause you, 
with other distinguished friends of freedom, successful- 
ly supported through the perilous period of the revo- 
lutionary war. The privations you suffered, and the 
perils and hardships you encountered during that inter- 
esting struggle, in leaving your home and country, and 



1824] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 26.') 

exposing your life to the dangers of the American camp 
for the freedom and independence of the States, justly 
entitle you to the lasting gratitude of the American 
people ; and as long as they are worthy of the rich and 
invaluable blessing they now enjoy, they cannot fail 
of looking to you as their unwavering benefactor. 

* Should it be convenient to you before leaving the 
United States, to visit this place, the inhabitants will be 
highly gratified in having the pleasure of waiting on 
you, and expressing to you personally, assurances of 
their gratitude and esteem. In behalf of the inhabit- 
ants and by order of the selectmen of Plymouth. 

'Z. Sampson, Chairman.^ 
Answer. 

* Sir : Nothing could afford me a greater satisfaction 
than to have the honor to pay my respects to the citi- 
zens of Plymouth ; nor will I leave the shores of 
America before 1 have enjoyed this heartfelt gratifica- 
tion. But my present first visit to this part of the 
Union is shortened by previous engagements, and the 
obligation to go towards the seat of government at 
Washington city. I anticipate the time when it will 
be in my power, personally, to present the citizens of 
Plymouth with my grateful and affectionate acknowl- 
edgments for their kindness to me. Be pleased to 
accept the tribute of those sentiments, and to believe me 
with much personal regard your obedient servant, 

' Lafayette.' 

Second letter from Gen. Lafayette to the selectmen. 

' Washington, February 5, 1825. 
^ Sir : On the point of beginning a long journey 
through the Southern and Western States, I anticipate 
the time of next summer, when 1 will return to the 
Northern and Eastern parts of the Union. Happy 1 
will be if 1 can present the people of Plymouth with 
my respectful thanks, and pay a tribute of reverence 
to the first spot where persecuted patriots did seek an 
23 



266 HISTORY OF Plymouth. [1824 

asylum which they now offer to all the citizens of 
European despotism and aristocracy. In the mean 
while I beg you, Sir, to accept, and to offer to your 
fellow-citizens, the expression of my deep regards and 
affectionate respect. Lafayette. 

' Zeb. Sampson, Esq,^ 

In town meeting. — 'Whereas Gen. Lafayette has de- 
clared his intention of visiting this town the ensuing 
summer, it becomes peculiarly incumbent on its citi- 
zens, living as we do, in the very birth-place of liberty, 
to prepare due honors for the man, whose eventful life 
has been devoted to its cause, and whom ten millions 
of free Americans with one consent have delighted to 
honor, the illustrious guest of the nation. 

Therefore, voted, to appoint a committee often, to 
prepare for his reception in a manner best calculated 
to show to him and the public our grateful sentiments 
on this joyous occasion. Voted, that the selectmen 
be authorized to draw on the treasury for a sum suffi- 
cient to cancel the expenses thence accruing.' A com- 
mittee of ten persons was accordingly appointed, and 
proper arrangements were made for his reception, but 
for want of time he was obliged to dispense with his 
visit. This disappointment was greatly regretted. La- 
fayette would have been received here with emotions 
of cordial affection and profound respect, as it cannot 
be doubted that he cherished an interest in the conse- 
crated asylum of those aposdes of civil and religious 
freedom, whom we glory to style our progenitors, and 
who were animated by those holy principles so conge- 
nial to his own heart. How gratifying the occasion, 
could we have seen this great man step on the Rock 
of our fathers; the sacred monument on which were 
imprinted the footsteps of the anxious pilgrims, panting 
for a sanctuary for the deposlte of their heavenly trust, 
the Charter of Liberty ! The work which commenced 
in 1620, nurtured by the smiles of a guardian Provi- 



1824] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 267 

dence, was with his generous assistance consummated 
in 1781. The annals of our revolution and the few 
survivors of that memorable period, bear ample testimo- 
ny to the ardor and devotion which he displayed, and 
the noble deeds he achieved under the banners of 
Washington ; and millions of freemen will ever cherish 
in their hearts the name of Lafayette. 

December. — On the 22d instant, was celebrated the 
birth-day of New England, the 204th anniversary, by the 
Pilgrim Society. The day was welcomed in a man- 
ner suited to the greatness of the occasion, and the in- 
creasing interest which is displayed in our early histo- 
ry. It was particularly gratifying to the inhabitants, 
that so mar.y distinguished characters were disposed 
to resort hither, with feelings of enthusiasm, to ' pay 
due honors to the urns of the pilgrim fathers of our 
race,' and to participate in the festivities which custom 
and propriety have sanctioned, as appropriate to this 
ever memorable anniversary. The immense crowd of 
visitors the preceding evening filled all our public 
houses, and the private mansions were thrown open, 
that all might be accommodated. The evening was 
pleasant, and lights were placed at the windows, which 
served to prevent accident, and had the efiect of a gen- 
eral illumination. 

At the early dawn, demonstrations of gratitude and 
joy commenced by the ringing of bells and discharge 
of cannon from the ancient ' Fort Hill,' and soon the 
streets were thronged with an assemblage of citizens 
and strangers, more numerous than usual on any form- 
er anniversary. There were some peculiarities in the 
celebration this year, by which public anticipation had 
been highly excited. The Pilgrim Hall, recently 
erected to the memory of our fathers, the beautiful 
paintings of Col. Sargent, which adorned its wall, and 
the splendid reputation of the orator. Professor Ever- 
ett, combined to awaken a lively interest in all classes 
of people. Hence, the town was honored by visitors 



^8 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1824 

from every part of New England, many from New 
York, and several ladies and gentlemen of distinction 
from foreign countries. At ten o'clock, the Pilgrim 
Society assembled at the Hall, where the noble images 
of our ancestors on the wall attracted universal atten- 
tion. From the hall, a very respectable procession 
was escorted, by the Standish Guards, to the meeting- 
house, where a very devotional prayer was offered by 
Rev. Mr. Kendall. On no occasion, perhaps, have 
the pious effusions of the heart and humble petitions- 
been uttered with greater eloquence or more powerful 
effect on an audience. Then followed a masterly dis- 
course by Professor Everett, replete with instructive 
details of history, of pious patriotism and glowing effu- 
sions of praise towards our fathers, for the unexampled 
intrepidity and fortitude with which they encowntererf 
their peculiar difficulties. This incomparable perform- 
ance, with which all were delighted, and which added 
to the well earned fame of its author, has been publish- 
ed. The procession returned from the meeting house 
to the Hall, where an excellent dinner was provided, 
and enlivened with appropriate songs and toasts. The 
day closed with a splendid and fully attended ball. 
The admirable picture of the landing of the fathers, by 
Col. Sargent, was by its author placed in the Pilgrim 
Hall at this celebration, that the eye as well as the ear 
and the intellect might be gratified on this interesting 
occasion. A writer in the newspaper says, ' We must 
do Mr. Sargent the justice to say, that be has not dis- 
graced the noble story. No, the grandeur of the match- 
less undertaking has not suffered in his hands. The 
whole group and back ground of this picture, indicate 
deep thought, successful study, and equal skill in the 
execution. And who of us, descendants of the intre- 
pid association, can look at the picture whhout emotion ? 
It is a heart-moving representation of the patriarchs of 
our own blessed tribe, now spread and spreading 
throughout this vast land of promise. The story, as 
told by Mr. Sargent on the glowing canvas, is truly 



1825] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 269 

affecting, and the moral dignified. It is a striking pic- 
ture of christian heroism, turning its back on regal and 
ecclesiastical folly and persecution. The picture has a 
special reference to the greatest civil event in the re- 
cords of the human race, and the story is well told and 
well painted.' 

March. — The town voted to receive the new road at 
Eel river, passing by the cotton factory to the old 
Sandwich road, as a town road. 

July. — The anniversary of the American Independ- 
ence was celebrated in this town in a manner exceeding- 
ly gratifying to a large and respectable collection of citi- 
zens of this and other towns in the county. Salutes 
were fired from Watson's Hill at sunrise, immediately 
after the services in the meeting house, and at sunset, 
by the Plymouth Artillery. A procession of citizens 
was formed, which was escorted to Rev. Dr. Kendall's 
meeting-house. After fervent prayers by Dr. Kendall, 
and other appropriate religious services, the Declaration 
of Independence was read by Rev. Mr. Freeman, and 
the oration was delivered by William Thomas, Esq. 
' It was a concise, elegant and comprehensive produc- 
tion, illustrating in a highly interesting manner the feel- 
ings, principles and events connected with the revolu- 
tion, tracing their origin from the earliest periods of 
English history to the eventful fourth of July, 1776.' 
After the services of the sanctuary, the company re- 
turned in procession to Pilgrim Hall, where upwards 
of two hundred partook of a sumptuous dinner, at 
which the Hon. William Davis presided. 

William Goodwin, Esq. died July seventeenth, 1825, 
aged sixty-nine years. He was son of a respectable 
merchant in this town. It was his misfortune, to labor 
under great bodily infirmities during many years, but 
his mind was active and intelligent. In the offices of 
assessor and selectman, he was ever found faithful, 
and was esteemed a man of public integrity and use- 
fulness. He held the office of post-master for several 
23* 



270 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1826 

years, and was cashier of Plymouth Bank from Its first 
establishment till his death. He married Lydia, the 
eldest daughter of Captain Simeon Sampson, of this 
town, and they were parents of five sons and two 
daughters, all of whom are living, except William, a 
respectable and intelligent merchant, who died at Ha- 
vanna, December fifteenth, 1821, aged thirty-eight 
years. Mr. Goodwin married for his second wife the 
widow of Rev. Mr. Briggs of Chatham, who was also a 
daughter of Captain S. Sampson, and who still sur- 
vives. 

1826. January 5. — Died in this town Hon. William 
Davis. ' This gentleman has been long and exten- 
sively known and esteemed, as a respectable merchant. 
To this line of life he was early devoted, and the few 
simple principles to which he adhered, industry, pro- 
bity and perseverance, made his successful course an 
instructive example, and, united with many kindred vir- 
tues, rendered him a valued and endeared member of 
the community. He was cordially attached to his na- 
tive town, and engaged with unwearied assiduity, in 
the various municipal labors, to which he was called 
in early life, and which, for many successive years, 
were assigned to him. He occasionally represented 
the town in general court, and in the years 1812 and 
1813, was a member of the executive council. Polit- 
ical distinction, however, was never an object of his 
pursuit, and to calls of this character he always yielded 
with reluctance. From the faithful and discreet dis- 
charge of his various duties, from the numerous em- 
ployments which his activity and energy produced or 
promoted, from his animating influence to encourage 
exertion in others, and the habitual interest which he 
manifested in its successful issue, he was an impor- 
tant member of the circle in which he moved, and his 
death has left a void which may not be readily suppli- 
ed, and has filled many hearts with sadness. Hi& 
cheerful temper and social habits, and the facility with 



1826] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 271 

which his sympathies became accommodated to the 
situation and feelings of others, made his company and 
conversation always acceptable to persons of every age 
and condition.' Mr. Davis was president of Plymouth 
Bank, from its first institution till his death, and in no 
instance perhaps has a similar institution been more 
judiciously conducted. He was, for about thirty years, 
a 'member of our board of selectmen, and was a zeal- 
ous advocate of the welfare and prosperity of the vari- 
ous civil and religious institutions of his native town. 
He was, at his death, vice-president of the Pilgrim So- 
ciety, and ever manifested an ardent interest in its 
prosperity. 

Mr. Davis married Rebecca Morton, who still sur- 
vives, and their surviving children are Nathaniel Mot- 
ten, Thomas, and Betsy, who is now the widow of Al- 
exander Bliss, Esq. William, the oldest son, was cut off 
in the midst of his career of enterprise and usefulness, 
March 1 824, in the fort3^-first year of his age. 

1826. February 1. — Died John Watson, Esq., aged 
seventy-eight. He graduated at Harvard college in 
1766, and was one of the founders of the Old Colony 
Club in 1769, and the last surviving member of that 
association of worthies. He was the first vice-presi- 
dent of the Pilgrim Society, and after the death of 
Judge Thomas, the president, was elected to fill that 
oflice, which he held till his death. Mr. Watson was 
the proprietor of Clark's Island, where he resided dur- 
ing about forty years of his life. To that spot he 
always felt a peculiar attachment, as affording antiqua- 
rian associations, in which he delighted to indulge, and 
to recount to his family and friends. He left many 
sons and daughters, of respectable standing in life. 

July. — The fiftieth anniversary of our national inde- 
pendence was celebrated by the inhabitants of this 
town, in unison with a respectable assemblage of fellow 
citizens from other towns in the county. The day 
was ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing 



272 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1828 

of a national salute by the Plymouth Artillery. This 
was a county celebration, in which were united all par- 
ties and sects in the most perfect harmony, for what 
spirits will not harmonize while in the cradle of our 
country's liberty ? At 1 1 o'clock, a procession was 
formed in Court-square, from whence they proceeded, 
under a military escort to the meeting house of the 
first parish, the Town-square being handsomely decora- 
ted with national flags, spread among the branches of 
the majestic elm trees. ' Prayers were ofTered by 
Rev. Dr. Kendall, in a strain of warm and patriotic 
feeling and grateful devotion.' The DeclaraUon of In- 
dependence was read by Charles J. Holmes, Esq., of 
Rochester, and an oration pronounced by Charles H. 
Warren, Esq., of New Bedford, in handsome style, and 
appropriate to the occasion. After which a company 
of about three hundred and fifty persons sat down to 
an elegant dinner at which Hon. John Thomas, of 
Kingston, presided.' The amusements of the day were 
concluded by a pleasant ball at Pilgrim Hall in the 
evening. 

JVovember. — It having been discovered that consid- 
erable injury has been done to Plymouth beach by 
carrying off" sand and sea-weed from the contiguous 
flats, and that, within a few years past, it has been the 
practice to take sand from said flats, for the purpose 
of manufacturing glass, the town petitioned the general 
court to pass a law prohibiting such trespasses in fu- 
ture. 

1828. — Hon. Zabdiel Sampson, Esq., expired in 
this town July 19th. He was a native of Plympton, but 
resided in Plymouth during the several last years of 
his life. He was graduated at Brown University in 
1 803, and devoted himself to the study of the law, but 
was not long a pleader at the bar. In the year 1816, 
he was elected by this district a representative to con- 
gress, and in 1820 was appointed collector of the cus- 
toms for the port of Plymouth, which he retained till 



1828] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 273 

his deatli. He was for several years clinlrman of the 
board of selectmen in this town, and in the several offi- 
ces which he sustained, he was found diligent and faith- 
ful, and in moral virtue was exemplary. 

October 9th. — Died, Nathaniel Lothrop, M. D. 
aged ninety-one. 'Dr Lothrop was of the fifth gen- 
eration from his respectable ancestor, John Lothrop. 
He graduated at Harvard University, at the head of 
the class of 1756 ; and, before his decease, was the on- 
ly surviving graduate, except the venerable Dr. Hol- 
yoke, of Salem, of the long list of Alumni of Al- 
ma Mater, included within the years 1740 and 1759. 
For a considerable- time, he stood far in advance, in 
point of age, of any other person in this place. He 
survived all the companions and associates of his early 
(lays in his native town, outlived the dearest of his do- 
mestic comforts, which had been his joy and delight, 
and was suffered to continue until even the desire of 
life in respect to himself had failed. A sacred regard 
to the dying request of the venerable deceased forbids 
us to enlarge ; we will only add, while we cherish with 
respect and veneration the remembrance of his virtues, 
that like an ancient patriarch he died in a good old 
age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered 
to his fathers.' It should be gratefully noticed and 
remembered that Dr. Lothrop gave a legacy of $500 
to the Pilgrim Society, toward completing the edifice. 

The 208th anniversary of the landing of the pil- 
grims was noticed by a private celebration on the 
22d of December. A number of gendemen of the 
town dined at the hotel, at which Major Joseph 
Thomas presided ; and, besides ' the feast of shells,' 
the company enjoyed the anecdote, the song, and the 
toast, as reminiscences of olden times. 

This anniversary was also celebrated by religious 
services in the meeting-house of the third parish ; 
where the Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D., of Boston, 
delivered a sermon, which attracted much attention, as 



274 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1829 

coming from ' a strong and vigorous mind, and abound- 
ing with practical and liberal remarks.' 

1829. July lOth. — Died, suddenly, Samuel Davis, 
Esq. aged 64. Mr. Davis was truly an antiquarian ; 
and few men within our social circle, possessed a 
greater fund of correct information relative to the 
character and circumstances of our primitive fathers. 
He was, says the writer of an obituary notice, ' the 
man to whom the inquisitive stranger was, by all of 
us, promptly referred. There was an accuracy and 
precision in the habit of his mind, that made ail his 
minute and curious information perfectly to be relied 
on. He was what the world would call a man of lei- 
sure ; but this leisure was no ignoble escape from 
thought; but was usually employed, under the direc- 
tion of a cultivated taste, amid scenery and resources 
exactly adapted to its full gratification. He loved the 
characters of the pilgrims. He loved to trace out 
their original allotments, their first rude dwellings. He 
knew their sons and daughters, their intermarriages, 
their changes of abode, the living branches and the 
scions, that became new stocks in the most distant 
states.* Of all these things he made copious memo- 
randa. It is easy to infer the moral traits of an intel- 
lectual man, who, fond of history and biography, yet 
turned with disgust from the Caesars, the Charleses, 
and Napoleons, and for thirty years persevered with 
delight in learning the minutest particulars of men like 
the pilgrims. The reader would be sure that he had, 
in the proper use of the word, simplicity of mind; that 
he was unostentatious, and meek, and pure, and a 
lover of good men of every age and clime. If he had 

* On one of the days of our anniversary, the Rev. Dr. Pierce 
having been for some time in conversation with Mr. Davis, a num- 
ber of clergymen entered the room ; the Dr, said ' Gentlemen, this 
is Mr. Davis, who can tell us all where we came from.' Mr. D. 
promptly replied, ' Gentlemen, this is Dr. Pierce, who can tell us 
all where we are going to.' 



1830] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 275 

peculiarities, they did not arise out of disordered af- 
fections, or from bitter ingredients in the composition 
of his mind ; but were the natural 2;rovvth of a life of 
celibacy, and seclusion of a mind less forcibly acted 
upon than most others, by the events and prevalent 
passions of the times he lived in.' 

The manner of his death was remarkable. Having 
walked out in the evening he retired to his chamber 
about ten o'clock, his usual hour, and made an entry in 
his diary, of the state of the weather. At breakfast 
time the next morning he was found a corpse, his arms 
folded on his breast without any indication that depart- 
ing life had occasioned the least struggle, so tranquil 
was the end of his peaceful life. 

* From life on earth our pensive friend retires, 
His dust commingling with the piigrim sires ; 
In thoughtful walks their every path he traced, 
Their toils their tombs his faithful page embraced ; 
Peaceful and pure and innocent as they, 
With them to rise to everlasting day.' 

J 830. — Died in this town June 4th. Hon. Beza 
Hay ward, Esq., aged 78 years. He was a native of 
Bridgewater, and graduated at Harvard College in 
1772, and devoted himself to the study of theology. 
When he commenced the clerical profession, the civil 
affairs of our country wer^ involved in the greatest 
confusion by the opposition to the oppressive measures 
of parliament, and there was no encouragement for 
young clergymen. Being compelled to relinquish his 
profession, he became a teacher of a school for the 
higher branches of education. In this employment he 
continued for several years, when he was chosen tore- 
present his native town in the legislature, and subse- 
quently was elected into the senate, and afterwards a 
member of the council board. Patriotism, public vir- 
tue and love of order were eminent traits in his char- 
acter. He possessed a peculiar tact for mathematical 



276 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1830 

calculations, and was much relied on for accuracy of 
results, when for many months he was employed on 
committees of valuation in the legislature. In the year 
1808 he was appointed register of probate for the 
cofjpty of Plymouth, which office ho sustained till his 
death, and acquitted himself honorably of its duties. 
In the domestic circle, and as a magistrate he was re- 
spected for probity, strict integrity and impartial jus- 
tice. Under bereavement the virtues of meekness, hu- 
mility and pious resignation were graciously exem- 
plified in his demeanor. His descendants are Susan 
and John. 

July 6th. — The wife of Captain William Holmes 
was killed by lightning, while in her house ; no other 
person was injured, but the house was greatly shat- 
tered. 

December. — We have again been called to com- 
memorate the day so greatly endeared to the hearts of 
the descendants of the pilgrim fathers. 

At the meeting of the Pilgrim Society, a communica- 
tion was read from Hon. Judge Davis, announcing a 
donation of fifty copies of his edition of the New Eng- 
land Memorial. 

The usual demonstrations of joy, by bells and can- 
non were put in requisition at the early dawn. The 
procession was extended by a numerous assemblage of 
patrons and friends to our institution, from various parts 
of New England. The customary religious services 
commenced by the hymn, ' Let children learn the 
mighty deeds,' and the ode ' Sons of renowned sires,' 
after which the prayer by the Rev. Mr. Gannett, of 
Boston, which was appropriate and impressive, devoutly 
acknowledging God's agency and goodness in giving the 
pilgrim's counsel by the calm wisdom of age, hope by 
the warm enthusiasm of youth, and perseverance by the 
strength of manhood. 

The oration was delivered by the Hon. William 
Sullivan, which commanded deep and silent attention. 



1831] HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 277 

It was indeed an able and peculiarly instructive perform- 
ance, teeming with just praises of the character and 
principles of our ancestors, and calculated to animate 
and inspire the whole assembly with a share of that 
enthusiastic spirit which came warm from the heart of 
the speaker. Tiiis oration has been published with 
copious notes annexed, and adds honor to the name of 
Sullivan, so well known in history, in literature and in 
science. After the oration, the closing hymn, ' Hail 
pilgrim fathers of our race,' was read line by line, and 
sung in the tune of Old Hundred. 

The assembly in procession returned to the Pilgrim 
Hall, where upwards of 200 persons sat down to a 
splendid dinner. Alden Bradford, Esq., president of 
the Pilgrim Society, was seated in the arm chair of 
English oak, which came over with the first settlers, and 
belonged to Lieut. Gov. W. Bradford, The hall was 
decorated by the ladies with evergreens in a tasteful 
manner. The names of six of the v^^orthies of the 
Mayflower, ingeniously made with evergreens, were 
placed on the walls, four on each side and two in front. 
In the evening the hall exhibited a most splendid as- 
semblage of youth, beauty and reverend age, mingling 
in one common scene of innocent, rational and grateful 
festivity. The orchestra in the hall was filled with a fine 
band of music. 

1831. — Anniversary Commemoration. — There is a 
standing vote of the first parish in Plymouth, that they 
will annually solemnize by religious services the anni- 
versary of the landing of our forefathers, except when 
the Pilgrim Society shall take the celebration on them- 
selves. They feel the duty peculiarly incumbent upon 
them, since they are united with the first church plant- 
ed in New England ; even that church which recog- 
nizes the puritans from Leyden as their legitimate 
founders ; and moreover, our sanctuary occupies the 
area which they selected for the place of their worship. 
It is, therefore, the altar of this sanctuary from wliicli 
24 



278 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1832 

ascriptions of gratitude and praise should annually as- 
cend for our heavenly bequest. 

According to arrangements previously made, a nu- 
merous and highly respectable assembly convened on 
the 22d of December, in the new church of the first 
parish, for divine service. 'The Rev. Mr. Cole, of 
Kingston, and Rev. Mr. Goodwin, of Concord, offered 
our thanksgivings and supplications in a spirit and 
manner worthy the interesting occasiouc' The Rev. 
Mr. Brazer, of Salem, delivered a discourse peculiarly 
appropriate, which attracted universal attention, from 
Psalm XXX. 8 and 9. It was fraught with interest- 
ing intelligence and with filial affection. How can we 
best honor the fathers, and in what way shall we best 
cherish their memory ? This inquiry was awakening 
to the feelings of the audience, and the discussions of 
the eloquent speaker delighted the understandings of 
those who love to cherish the puritan character. We 
regret that the author declines communicating his 
talented performance to the public. This anniversary 
was at the same time commemorated in the meeting- 
house of the third parish in this town. The Rev. Dr. 
John Codman, of Dorchester, was invited to perform 
the solemnities on the occasion. This sermon has been 
published, and is honorable to the author, interesting 
to the antiquarian, and to the admirers of the puritan 
character. A sermon was preached also before the 
Robinson church and society, by Rev. Mr. Cobb, of 
Taunton. 

1832. — Centennial Anniversarxj of the hirth-day of 
Washington. February. — The centennial birth-day of 
Washington, so peculiarly interesting to the whole 
population of the United States was celebrated on the 
22d instant, by the patriotic young men in this town, 
with commendable ardor and reverence. The bells 
and cannon first announced the day, and pioclaimed 
the meridian and decline of the sun. There was a 
very general attendance on the public exhibitions, and 



1832] HISsTORi- OF PLYMOUTH. 279 

exercises of the clay. An ornamental arch was erect- 
ed in Town-square, with an inscription, ' February 2-2d, 
1832, Washington's Birth-day,' surrounded by an ea- 
gle, and tastefully decorated with flags, which were al- 
so suspended in the streets dn-ough which the proces- 
sion passed. A procession was formed in Court-square 
in tke morning, which proceeded to the house of wor- 
ship of the first parish, where divine service was per- 
formed. The ministers of the several denominations 
in town were seated in the pulpit. The services con- 
sisted of a prayer by Rev. Dr. Kendall, reading Wash- 
ington's Farewell Address by Rev. Mr.Bugbee ; when 
an oration was delivered by Hon. Solomon Lincoln, 
; which was received with much applause by a crowd- 
ed audience. In portraying the character of the illus- 
trious chief from his earliest days, the orator in elo- 
quent language displayed a judicious selection of traits 
and incidents which were so pre-eminendy conspicu- 
ous, and wisely exerted for the honor and glory of our 
Empire. The services of the sanctuary being closed 
by a prayer by Rev. Mr. Freeman, the procession, es- 
corted by the Standish Guards and the Plymouth Artil- 
lery, proceeded to Pilgrim Hall, where more than two 
hundred gentlemen partook of a sumptuous dinner. 
Isaac L. Hedge, Esq., presiding. After the festival, 
sendments and toasts were announced, actcompanied 
with music from the Plymouth Band. In the evening 
a ball was attended by a large assemblage of gentle- 
men and ladies, and most of the houses in town were 
handsomely illuminated. 

There is a singular felicity in discovering proofs of 
patriotism and public virtue in those who are soon to 
be called to the places of such of the present genera- 
tion as are rapidly passing from the stage of life and 
usefulness. Much of the welilire and prosperity of 
our great republic, depend on the purity of principle, 
and sentiment maintained by the rising generation : on 
them devolve not only the honor and character of our 



280 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1832 

nation, but the prosperity and happiness of generations 
to come. For lessons of instruction, we trust they 
will look to the eventful lives, and the examples of 
those virtuous men who have finished their earthly ca- 
reer, and are gathered to their fathers ; ever bearing 
in precious remembrance the heavenly-minded pil- 
grims of 1620, and the glorious patriots and sages* of 
1776, by whose toils and sacrifices, under Providence, 
we enjoy the noblest earthly inheritance. May our 
young men be directed to discern the true interest of 
their country, and be cordially united in its pursuit, 
and may they, like their illustrious progenitors, be re- 
nowned for their love of the church, and for a pious 
attachment to the genuine principles of freedom and 
the rights of man ; cherishing with pious ardor that 
excellent constitution given them by their renowned 
sires, nor hastily fritter away its principles with the 
Tain expectation of improvement. 

Young Men, sons of the Patriarchs 1 you have vir- 
tue for your inheritance ; if you are disposed to be en- 
thusiastic on any object, let your ardent enthusiasm 
fee directed to Temperance Societies. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY 



Just men they were, and all their stuuy benl, 

To worship God aright, and linow his works 

Not hid ; nor those things last, which might preserve 

Freedom and peace to man. 

The first chiirch in New England, founded at Ply- 
mouth, in 1620, was a part of the dmi^h under the 
pastoral care of the celebrated John Robinson, the 
members of which, in consequence of the cruel perse- 
cution in their native country, (England,) for their non- 
conformity, had exited themselves to Leyden, in Hol- 
land, where they had resided eleven years. Tney 
were dissatisfied with their situation among the Dutch, 
and solicitous to find a country where they might en- 
ioy their worship and their opinions, according to their 
iL principles of christian liberty ""'""^^^j^'^; Af- 
ter the most mature deliberation they resolved to em - 
grate to the unexplored shores, the unmhabued wilder- 
Ls of America,\vell aware that ^^'\f'^'°"l"^^ 
virtue might make the wilderness and solitary place to 
be glad, and the desert to rejoice and olossom as the 



Their agents, employed to negotiate in England for 
a territory for settlement, described, in touchmg lan- 
LaTe their feelings and the reasons which mdi.ced 
fhem lo en igrate ^hat they were well weaned from 
he delicate milk of their mother country, and inured 
,0 the difficulties of a strange land ; that they were 
knit together in a strict and sacred bond, by whiob 



282 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1620 

they held themselves bound to take care of the good 
of each other and of the whole ; no small things would 
discourage them, or make them wish to return home. 
They had acquired habits of frugality, industry, and 
self-denial, and were united in a solemn covenant, by 
which they were bound to seek the welfare of the 
whole company, and of every individual person. Tlie 
letters also contained an exposition of their religious 
creed, as agreeing with the French reformed churches 
In faith and discipline, and differing only in some inci- 
dental points. But they renounced all right of human 
invention, or imposition in religious matters, not build- 
ing their hopes on ceremonial observances and on sys- 
tems of worship. They were actuated by ' a natural 
and pious desire of perpetuating a church which they 
believed to be constituted after the simple and pure 
model of the primitiv^e church of Christ; and a com- 
mendable zeal to propagate the gospel in the region of 
the new world.' They employed Mr. Robert Cush- 
man and Mr. John Carver, as their first agents in 1617, 
to the Virginia Company, and to obtain security from the 
king for religious freedom in their proposed settlement. 
They met with many impediments, and returned in 
May, 1618, with encouragement from the Virginia Com- 
pany relative to a grant of territory, and a promise on 
the part of the crown, ' that the king would connive at 
them and not molest thpm, provided that they carried 
peaceably ;' but toleration would not be granted by 
public authority under his seal. 

In February, 1619, Mr. Cushman and Mr. Bradford 
were dispatched on the same business. After long at- 
tendance they obtained a patent, which was then taken 
out in the name of John Wincob, a religious gentleman 
in the family of the Countess of Lincoln, who intended 
to accompany them, but was providentially prevented. 
Thus this patent was never used, being carried howev- 
er to Ley den for the people to consider, with several 
proposals for their transmigration, made by Mr. Thomas 



1620] OF PLYMOUTH. 283 

Weston, of London, and other friends and merchants as 
should either go or adventure with them ; they were 
requested to prepare with speed for tlie voyage.' 
— Bradford's MS. History quoted by Princa. 

The patent which they obtained, was altogether in- 
adeijuate to their wants and desires ; but they resolved, 
nevertlieless, to commit themselves, in faith and confi- 
dence, to the arm of Almighty power, and to encoun- 
ter the perils of the ocean. We learn by Dr. Belknap, 
that the particular sentiments, as to ecclesiastical gov- 
ernment, which were held b) the church over which 
Mr; Robinson was pastor, and which had a peculiar in- 
fluence upon the conduct and character of the settlers 
of Plymouth, have been comprised under the following 
heads : 

1. That no church ought to consist of more mem- 
bers than can conveniently meet together for worship 
and discipline. 

2. That every church of Christ is to consist only of 
such as appear to believo in and obey him. 

3. That any competent number of such, have a right, 
when conscience obliges them, to form themselves in- 
to a distinct church. 

4. That this incorporation is, by some contract or 
covenant, express or implied. 

5. That being thus incorporated, they have a right 
to choose their own officers. 

6. That these officers are pastors, or teaching eld- 
ers, ruling elders, and deacons. 

7. That elders, being chosen and ordained, have a 
power to rule the church, but by consent of the breth- 
ren. 

8. That all elders and all churches are equal in res- 
pect of powers and privileges. 

9. With respect to ordinances, they hold, that bap- 
tism is to be administered to visible believers and their 
infant children, but they admitted only the children of 
communicants to baptism. That the Lord's supper 



284 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1620 

is to be received sitting at the table, (whilst they were 
in Holland they received it every Lord's day.) That 
ecclesiastical censures were wholly spiritual, and not to 
be accompanied with tenaporal penalties. 

10. They admitted no holy-days but the christian 
sabbath, though they had occasional days of fasting and 
thanksgiving ; and, finally, they renounced all right of 
human invention and imposition in religious matters. 

Having sold their estates in Holland and put the pro- 
ceeds into a common fund, they began to make pre- 
parations for their departure ; but so entirely were their 
minds devoted to religious contemplation and pious ex- 
ercises, that no secular concerns could be transacted 
without first offering their aspirations to Heaven for 
guidance. The aid of the Lord w^as invoked with sin- 
cerity and in faith, in all their worldly concerns. Great- 
ly, indeed, were they strengthened and encouraged by 
the glorious example and fervent prayers of the 
venerated pastor. 

In the early part of the year 1620, Robinson deliv- 
ered a discourse, the object of which was, to strength- 
en and confirm the resolution of those who were about 
to go to America. They had ascertained that a 
majority of the congregation were inclined to emigrate, 
but all who had come to that determination could not 
immediately prepare themselves for the voyage-; those 
who remained, (being the majority) required of Rob- 
inson that he should stay with them, and proposed 
that Brewster, the ruling elder, should go with the 
minority ; and such was the final arrangement. The 
minority were to be an absolute church of themselves, 
as well as those who should stay, v;ith the proviso^ 
that as any should go over or return, they should be 
reputed as members, without further dismission or tes- 
timonial. The others intended to follow as soon as 
circumstances would permit. 

In July of the same year, they kept another solemn 
day of prayer, and Mr. Robinson again preached to 



1620] OF PLYMOUTH. 285 

them ; selecting for his text the very appropriate 
words in Ezra, chap. viii. verse 21. 'I proclaimed a 
fast at the river Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves 
before God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for 
our little ones, and for all our substance,' This 
passage was singularly and strikingly adapted to the oc- 
casion ; and the exhortation in this celebrated sermon 
breathed a noble spirit of christian liberty, and discover- 
ed a spirit of liberality, the more wonderful as the age 
was an age of bigotry ; and proceeding, as it did, from 
one who, at one period of his ministry, had been distin- 
guished as a rigid and unyielding separatist. ' Breth- 
ren,' said he, ' we are now quickly to part from one 
another, and whether I may ever live to see your face 
on earth any more, the God of heaven only knows ; 
but whether the Lord hath appointed that or not, I 
charge you, before God and his blessed angels, that 
you follow me no farther than you have seen me fol- 
low the Lord Jesus Christ. If God reveal anything 
to you, by any other instrument of his, be as ready to 
receive it, as ever you were to receive any truth, by my 
ministry, for I am fully persuaded, — I am very confident, 
that the Lord has more truth yet to break forth out of his 
holy word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail 
the condition of the reformed churches, who are come 
to a period in religion, and will go at present no farther 
than the instrumentsof their reformation. The Luther- 
ans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw; 
whatever part of his will our good God has revealed 
to Calvin, they will rather die than embrace it, and 
the Calvinists, you see, stick fast, where they were left 
by that great man of God, who yet saw not all things. 
' This is a misery much to be lamented, for though 
they were burning and shining lights in their times, yet 
they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God ; 
but, were they now living, would be as willing to em- 
brace further light as that which they first received, I 
beseech you to remember that it is an article of your 



286 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1620 

church covenant, that you shall be ready to receive 
whatever truth shall be made known to you from the 
written word of God. Remember that, and every 
other article of your sacred covenant. But 1 must 
here, withal, exhort you to take heed what you receive 
as truth.' Examine it, consider it, and compare it with 
other scriptures of truth, before you receive it ; for it is 
not possible that the christian world should come so 
lately out of such thick anti-christian darkness, and 
that perfection of knowledge should break forth at 
once. 

' I must also advise you to abandon, avoid and shake 
off the name of Brownist."^ It is a mere nickname, 
and a brand for the making religion and the pro- 
fessors of it odious to the christian world.' Mr. Rob- 
inson also addressed a pastoral letter to his flock, in 
which he advised them in relation to spiritual matters, 
exhorting to the practice of charily, and the bearing 
each others infirmities, and finally bidding his departing . 
brethren a most affectionate farewell. The entire let- 
ter may be seen in Morton's Memorial. 

On the 21st of July, 1620, the emigrants departed 
from Leyden to embark at Delfthaven. They were 
accompanied by many of their^afflicted friends, and by 
some who came from Amsterdam. The next day they 
embarked for England in a vessel called the Speedwell, 
and from whence they took passage on board the May- 
flower for America, (see page 14.) At the moment of 
their going on board at Delfthaven, Mr. Robinson fell 
on his knees, and with tearful eyes, in a most ardent 
and affectionate prayer, committed them to their Divine 
Protector. So great was the grief of this little church, 
all the members of which had been endeared to each 
other by so many circumstances, and united by so many 

* Brownist, the followers of Robert Brown, a sectary, whose prin- 
ciples were in many respects very exceptionable, in the view of 
sober Christians, and who at length abandoned them himself, and 
conformed to the church of England. 



1620] OF PLYMOUTH. 287 

ties, that, when they finally separated, the agonizing 
expression of it drew tears even from the eyes of the 
Dutch, who had assembled on the quay to see them 
depart, insensible as they usually were to sorrowful 
emotions. Well might it be said, behold how these 
christians love one another! It has been slated, that 
the Plymouth church was formed from the minority of 
the Leyden church, and the two churches were like a 
family, separated for a time, but impatient of a reunion. 
Robinson was still considered pastor of the Plymouth 
church; and his expected arrival prevented their or- 
daining another pastor, or leaching elder; and this was 
the less necessary, as Mr. Brewster, the ruling elder, 
was eminently quahfied to discharge the duties of both 
elder and pastor. After the death of Mr. Robinson, 
he did, in fact, perform all the duties of the two offices, 
but refused to be ordained as pastor. The Rev. John 
Robinson was not indulged in his anxious desire to join 
that portion of his beloved flock which came to Ameri- 
ca ; the means of the congregation being exhausted in 
the transportation of those who came over. He con- 
linue'd at Leyden during the remainder of his life, 
which terminated March 1, 1625, in the fiftieth year 
of his age. His death caused the dissolution of the 
church and congregation over which he presided, and 
which his talents and his piety contributed so much to 
render illustrious. A part of their numbers remained 
in Holland, and a part, with the widow and children, 
came to Plymouth colony. His posterity are yet nu- 
merous in various parts of New England. Mr. Robin- 
son was buried in the charnel of the church in Leyden, 
assigned for the use of his congregation. Mr. Prince, 
the Chronologist, who visited Leyden, in 171 4, was in- 
formed by the ancient people, as received from their 
parents, that as he was had in high esteem, both by the 
city and university, for his learning, piety, moderation, 
and excellent accomplishments, the magistrates, minis- 
ters, scholars, and most of the gentry mourned his 



388 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOEY [1620 

death as a public loss, and followed him to the grave. 
The late Dr. Belknap thus delineates his character. 
'Mr. Robinson was a man of good genius, quick pene- 
tration, ready wit, great modesty, integrity, and candor; 
his classic literature and acuteness in disputation were 
acknowledged by his adversaries ; his manners were 
easy, courteous and obliging, his preaching was instruc- 
tive and affecting. Though in his younger years he 
was rigid in his separation from the Episcopal church, 
by whose governors he and his friends were treated 
with unrelenting severity, yet, when convinced of his 
error, he openly acknowledged it, and, by experience 
and conversation with good men, became moderate and 
charitable, without abating his zeal for strict and real re- 
ligion. It is always a sign of a good heart when a man 
becomes mild and candid as he grows in years. This 
was eminently true of Mr. Robinson- He learned to 
esteem all good men of every religious persuasion, and 
charged his flock to maintain the like candid and be- 
nevolent conduct. His sentiments respecting the re- 
formers, as expressed in his valedictory discourse, will 
entail immortal honor to his memory ; evidencing his 
accurate discernment, his inflexible honesty, and his 
fervent zeal for truth and a good conscience. He was 
also possessed, in an eminent degree, of the talent of 
peace making, and was happy in composing differences 
among neighbors and in families ; so that peace and union 
were preserved in his congregation.' ' Mr. Robinson,' 
says Mr. Baylies, ' was a man of uncommon argumen- 
tative powers, and maintained a controversy on doc- 
trines, with great ability, against one of the most distin- 
guished and learned professors of the university of Ley- 
den. His farewell sermon is an evidence, not only of his 
ability, but of a liberality far transcending the bigotry 
of the age, and would do no discredit to these times.' 
The followers of Robinson, with their brethren in Eng- 
land, were denominated puritans, from their aversion to 
the prevailing ceremonies and government of the Epis- 



1620] OF PLYMOUTH. 289 

copal church, which they deemed corrupt and immor- 
al ; and it was in this that their puritanism consisted, 
more than in disputable points of doctrine and opin- 
ions. That they were utterly opposed to all human 
injunctions and restrictions in the worship of God, will 
abundantly appear from the whole tenor of their histo- 
ry and conduct. Although they disclaimed the name 
of Brownists, they maintained, in common with that 
sect, ' that every christian congregation ought to be 
governed by its own laws, without depending on the 
jurisdiction of bishops, or being subject to the authori- 
ty of synods, presbyteries, or any ecclesiastical assem- 
bly, composed of the deputies from different churches.' 
A congregational church is a company of professed 
christians, possessing the exclusive right of self-govern- 
ment in matters of religion, and so far independent as 
to be amenable to no earthly tribunal for the exercise 
of its rights and prerogatives. Its rights are, to form 
its own terms of agreement, its own constitutions of 
doctrine, its own laws of discipline, accountable only 
to the great Head of all christian churches. 

In Prince's Chronoloo;y we have the following sum- 
mary of the religious tenets of the Plymothean Fathers. 
They maintained that the inspired scriptures only con- 
tain the true religion, and especially, that nothing is to 
be accounted the Protestant religion respecting either 
faith or worship, but what is taught in them ; and that 
every man has a right of judging for himself, of trying 
doctrines by them, and worshipping according to his 
apprehension of the meaning of them. Their officers 
were, 1. Pastors,, or Teaching Elders, who have the 
power of overseeing, teaching, administering the sac- 
raments, and of ruling ; are therefore to be maintain- 
ed. 2. Ruling elders, who are to help the pastor in 
overseeing and ruling. 3. Deacons, who are to take 
care of the treasure of the church ; to distribute for 
the support of the pastor, the supply of the needy, and 
25 



290 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORT [1624 

the propagation of religion ; and to minister at the 
Lord's table. 

In the year 1624, a minister, by name John Lyford, 
was sent over to be the; pastor of this church, but he 
proved unworthy of their confidence and regard. He 
manifested a perverse and factious spirit, and, forming 
a connexion with John Oldham, equally perverse, they 
created great disturhance and unhappiness in the 
church and among the people. A particular history 
of these transactions may be found in page 73, 
of this volume. No minister was settled over this 
church till the year 1629, when Mr. Ralph Smith, a 
man of ordinary capacity, having found his way to Ply- 
mouth, and being a pious honest-minded man, was re- 
ceived and ordained the first pastor of the first church 
in Plymouth. He continued in that station five or six 
years, when, from his own sense of incapacity and the 
persuasions of the people, he resigned his pastoral 
office. The next who officiated in the sacred office 
in that church, though not ordained, was the celebra- 
ted Roger Williams. This gentleman had been liber- 
ally educated, and for a term, a pupil of Sir Edward 
Coke, the illustrious English lawyer. Mr. Williams 
possessed brilliant talents and great acquirements. He 
resided as minister at Plymouth about three years from 
1631, but, by his eccentricity of opinions, and as sup- 
posed unsound docti"ines, his life and conversation be- 
came odious to the puritans; and, being discontented 
with hin.self, he was, by his own request, dismissed to 
the church at Salem. The subsequent history of this 
extraordinary character belongs not to this town, and 
must be sought for elsewhere. Mr. John Norton, a 
man of great worth, came over from England in 1635, 
and preached one winter at Plymouth ; and declining 
to settle, although earnestly desired, he soon after set- 
tled at Ipswich, and was, after the death of Rev. Mr. 
Cotton, translated to Boston, where he was distinguish- 
ed as a learned divine. Shortly after the dismission 
of Mr. Smith, in 1636, the Rev. John Reyner was or- 



1641] OF PLYMOUTH* 29l 

dained his successor. He was a oerson of great hu- 
mility, worth, and piety. In I608, the celebrated 
Charles Chauncy, afterwards the minister of Scituate 
and president of Harvard College, was strongly urged to 
settle in conjunction with Mr. Reyner. Mr. Chauncy 
preached in Plymouth three years, was greatly and 
justly admired, but declined to settle on account of 
some disagreement in point of doctrine, he having em- 
braced anabaptist principles. The church and people 
were so warmly attached to him that every possible 
effort was made to prevail on him to become their or- 
dained pastor, but he negatived every proposition to 
that effect. He would baptize by immersion only. 
To obviate the objection, it was proposed that he 
should be permitted to baptize in botU forms, but still 
he declined. At the birth of one of his sons, Mr. R. 
Hicks, a merchant of Plymouth, gave him fifty acres 
of land as a mark of his attachment. Governor Car- 
ver and Dr. S. Fuller had been chosen the deacons 
of this church while in Holland ; after their deaths 
their places were supplied by Richard Masterson and 
Thomas Blossom, both of whom died about the year 
1630. After them the deacons were John Doane, 
William Paddy, and John Cook.* In the year 1632, 
a new church set off from Plymouth church was form- 
ed at Duxbury, and another was soon after organised 
at Green's harbor, in Marshfield. 

In 1641, an ordinance passed the general court, 
that no injunction should be put on any church or 
church member, as to doctrine, worship, or discipline, 
whether for substance or circumstance, beside the com- 
mand of the bible. About the year 1643 or 1644, 
many of the inhabitants having left the town by reason 
of the barrenness of the place, and others contemplat- 
ing a removal, serious apprehensions arose that the 
church would soon be dissolved. It was therefore, 

* John Cook was subsequf^.ntly excommunicated by thfi church, 
ior occasioning manj dissensions among them. 



292 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1644 | 

proposed, that the whole should remove bodily, and 
Nauset (Easthara) was chosen as the place for settle- 
ment. But on further consideration, ihe plan was re- 
linquished ; but a part of the church agreed to pay for 
the whole purchase, which had been made in the 
church's name, and proceeded to establish a new 
church at Eastham, which is the third branch from the 
ancient church ; and thus was this poor church, (say 
the records,) left like an ancient mother grown old, 
and forsaken of her children, in regard of their bodily 
presence and personal lielpfulness ; her ancient mem- 
bers being most of tiiem worn away by death, and 
those of later times being like children translated into 
other families ; and she, like a widow, left only to 
trust in God. Thus she that had made many rich be- 
came herself poor. (See page 102.) 

On the 16th of April, 1644, the church and socie- 
ty were most grievously afflicted by the death of Wil- 
liam Brewster, their ruling elder and kind benefactor. 
The life of this excellent man was by a kind Provi- 
dence protracted to the 84th year of his age. His sac- 
rifices in the puritan cause were eminently conspicu- 
ous. His perils and sufferings, however trying, were 
equalled by his humility and patient resignation. Mr. 
Brewster was born in England in 1560, and educated 
at the university of Cambridge. He was a man of con- 
siderable abilities and learning, and of eminent piety. 
Though well qualified for the pastoral office, yet his 
great diffidence would not allow him to undertake the 
duties of it. In the destitute state however, of the Ply- 
mouth church, his public services as elder were 
highly satisfactory and useful. In his discourses he 
was discriminating, yet pathetic ; in the government of 
the church, as ruling elder, he was resolute, yet concil- 
iatory. 

After leaving the university he entered into the ser- 
vice of William Davison, Queen Elizabeth's ambassa- 
dor to Scotland and to Holland ; who found him so ca- 



1644] OF PLYMOUTH. 293 

pable and faithful, that he reposed the utmost confi- 
dence in him. He esteemed him as his son and made 
him his confidential friend. Davison, while negotiating 
wiili the United Provinces, entrusted him with the keys' 
of Flushing, and the states of Holland were so sensible 
of his merit, as to present him with the ornament of a 
golden chain. When Davison incurred the hypocriti- 
cal displeaure of the arbitrary Queen, and was by her 
reduced to a state of utter ruin and poverty, Mr. Brew- 
ster remained his steadfast friend, and gave him all the 
assistance of which he was capable. Being thorough- 
ly disgusted with the forms, ceremonies, and corrup- 
tions in the established church, he withdrew from its 
communion and united with Mr. Clifton and Mr. Rob- 
inson, and their newly formed society met on the Lord's 
day, at Mr. Brewster's house, and at his expense. He 
was appointed a ruling elder, and he came over with 
the minority of Mr Robinson's church, and suffered all 
the hardships attending their settlement in this wilder- 
ness, and partook with them of labor, hunger and 
watching ; his bible and his arms being equally familiar 
to him ; and he was always ready for any duty or suf- 
fering to which he was called. For many months to- 
gether, he had, through necessity, lived without bread ; 
having nothing but fish for his sustenance, and some- 
times was destitute of that. He enjoyed a healthy old 
age, and was able to continue his ecclesiastical func- 
tions, and his field labor, till within a few days of his 
death, and was confined to his bed but one day. He 
left an excellent library for that day, valued at £43, as 
appraised by Governor Bradford, Mr. Prince and Rev. 
Mr. Reyner. The whole number was 275, of which 
64 were in the learned languages. 

Elder Brewster's two eldest daughters, Patience and 
Fear, were left in Leyden, and arrived in the Ann in 
1623. Mr. Robinson writes to him from Leyden, 'I 
hope Mistress Brewster's weak and decayed health will 
have some renairing by the coming of her daughters, 
'25* 



294 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1644 

and the provisions in this and the other ships sent. — 
{Plym. Chh. Records.) Fear was, soon after her ar- 
rival, married to Mr. Thomas Prince, and, before 1627, 
Patience was married to Mr. Isaac AUerton. In the 
division of the cattle in 1 627, Elder Brewster was at 
the head of lot No. 5. As his wife is not mentioned, 
it may be presumed that she was not then living. His 
sons and unmarried daughters, contained in that list, 
are Love, a son, Wristling, Jonathan, Lucretia, Wil- 
liam, and Mary. It would appear therefore, that he 
had eight children, two of whom, it is supposed, were 
born in this country. These were probably the two 
last in the list, William and Mary. In an award made 
August 1645, by William Bradford, Edward Winslow, 
Thomas Prince and Miles Standish, between Jonathan 
Brewster and Love Brewster, they are mentioned as 
the only surviving sons of Elder Brewster, in Colony 
Records, i. 199. There are many descendants from 
this respectable stock who still reside in Duxbury, 
Kingston, and Plymouth. When the south part of 
Harwich was separately incorporated, in 1803, it re- 
ceived the name of Brewster in, honor of the venera- 
ble pilgrim. A brig was launched in Plymouth, in 
1822, and it received the name of Elder Brewster. 

The Rev. Dr. Belknap published an interesting bio- 
graphical sketch of .Elder Brewster, and a very ample 
character of him, written, as Judge Davis supposes, 
by secretary Morton, is found in the records of the first 
church in Plymouth. This is copied into the late 
edition of the Memorial, and also into the valuable 
history of the Old Colony, by the Hon. Francis Bay- 
lies ; from this last production 1 extiact the following 
elegant paragraph. ' With the most submissive pa- 
tience he bore the novel and trying hardships to which 
his old age was subjected, lived abstemiously, and, af- 
ter having been in his youth the companion of minis- 
ters of state, the representative of his sovereign, fa- 
miliar with the magnificence of courts, and the pos- 



1644] OF PLYMOUTH. 295 

sessor of a fortune sufficient not only for the comforts 
but the elegancies of life, this humble puritan labored 
steadily with his own hands in the fields for daily sub- 
sistence. Yet he possessed that happy elasticity of 
mind which could accommodate itself with cheerfulness 
to all circumstances ; destitute of meat, of fish and of 
bread, over his simple meal of clams, would he return 
thanks to the Lord that he could suck of the abun- 
dance of the seas, and of treasures hid in the sand.' 
By his removal to Leyden with Robinson's church, he 
sacrificed the most of his estate.* About four or five 
years after Mr. Brewster's decease, the church made 
choice of Mr. Thomas Cushman, as his successor in 
the office of ruling elder ; son of Mr. Robert Cush- 
man, who has been frequently mentioned in these pa- 
ges, as eminently useful in the transaction of their 
various concerns. The son inheriting the same spir- 
it as the father, and weJl qualified by gifts and graces, 
proved a great blessing to the church ; assisting Mr. 
Reyner, as Mr. Brewster had done before him : it be- 
ing the professed principle, in this church, to choose 
none for governing elders, but such as are able to teach. 
In the year 1654 the church was deprived of their 
estimable pastor, Mr. Reyner, after about eighteen years 
very acceptable services. His character as a preacher 

* The following note was presented to our pastor by Hon. Judge 
Davis. 

' When Elder Brewster resided in Holland, among other modes 
of exertion for obtaining a livelihood, we are informed that " he set 
up printing, (by the help oi some friends) and so had employment 
enough." Having lately met wiih a copy of Cariivrighfs Com- 
mentaries on the Book o( Proverbs, which appeared to have been 
printed at the Elder's Leyden press, or to liave been published by 
him, in that city, in the year 1617, I ask leave;, with respect and 
filial regard, to present the volume to the First Church in Ply- 
mouth, to be carefully kept by their pastor. Rev. James Kendall, 
T>. D., and by succeeding pastors of that ancient church, with 
■whom the memory of Elder Brewster is peculiarly and deservedly 
precious.' 

Boston, JVov. 20th, 1828. 

This volume is in Latin, and contains 1513 pages, large octavo. 



296 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1648 

of the gospel, and a wise orderer of church affairs, 
is described by his coiemporaries in a most advantage- 
ous point of view. The dissolution of the connexion 
was occasioned by the reduced state of the church, 
and by an existing prejudice against a learned minis- 
try by means of sectaries, then spreading through 
the country. In fact, the troubles and difficulties 
which this church were called to encounter, were in- 
numerable and almost insupportable ; but it was found- 
ed on a rock, and sustained by Almighty power. Mr. 
Reyner, say the church records, was richly accomplished 
with such gifts and qualifications as were befitting his 
place and calling : being wise, faithful, grave, sober, 
and a lover of good men, not greedy of the matters of 
the world, &:c. He dissolved his connexion with the 
church in November, 1654, to the great regret of the 
church and people, and was afterwards settled at Do- 
ver, N. H., where he remained until his death, in 1669. 
In 1648, a meeting house was erected in Plymouth ; 
no dimensions are given, but a bell was attached to it. 
In 1634, that ruthless persecutor of puritans. Arch- 
bishop Laud, obtained a commission from King Charles 
I. wherein he, together with the Archbishop of York, 
and ten more of the minions of Laud, some of whom 
were papists, were empowered to revoke all the 
charters, letters patent, and rescripts-royal, before 
granted from the crown to the several colonies and 
plantations ; and to make such laws and constitutions 
as to them should seem meet, to remove and displace 
the several governors and rulers of those colonies, for 
causes which to them should seem lawful, and others 
in their stead to constitute, and to punish those of them 
that were culpable, by mulcts and fines, or banishment 
from those places they had governed ; or otherwise to 
punish, according to the degree of their offence. To 
remove any of those colonies as well as their rulers, 
causing them to return to England, or commanding 
thera to other places assigned, as according to their 



1655] OF PLYMOUTH. 297 

sound discretions should seem necessary ; and to con- 
stitute judges and magistrates, political and civil, for 
civil causes, and to fix upon them such a form of gov- 
ernment as to five or more of them should seem ex- 
pedient. And also to make laws and constitutions; 
ecclesiastical, and to ordain spiritual courts, to deter- 
mine of the form and manner of proceeding in the 
same, and the method of appeals, &:c. To assign 
congruent portions, tylhes, oblations, and other things 
for the maintenance of the clergy, and to make pro- 
vision against the violation of any of their constitutions, 
by imposing penalties, by imprisonment, and, if the 
quality of the offence require it, by deprivation of 
members or life, to be inflicted, he. This arbitrary 
commission, subjecting the country to abject slavery, 
is recorded at large by secretar Elorton in the church 
records, that ' after ages may improve it, as an experi- 
ment of God's goodness in preveniing its taking effect, 
to the destruction of the Plymouth and other New 
England churches. There is no mention throughout 
this arbitrary commission that the laws and ordinances 
to be enacted by them should be conformable to the 
laws of England. In pursuance of the aforesaid com- 
mission, Sir Ferdinando Gorges was, by the Archbish- 
op's fivor, constituted General Governor of the country. 
But Mr. Edward Winslow, being then an agent in 
England for the colonies, by his indefatigable endeav- 
ors, aided by the influence of some great men, the 
storm was happily diverted. Mr. Winslow however 
shared their vengeance by being c mmitted to the Fleet 
prison, where he remained about seventeen weeks.* 

* The facts were these. The mischievous Thomas Morton, 
whose turbulent conduct at Mount "Wollaston, is noticed in the N. 
E. Memorial, was employed by Archbishop Laud and others to 
uoniplain against the colonists before the lords' commissioners for 
plantations, to which Mr. Winslow presented a counter statement, 
which was received as satisfactory. Morton was reproved, and oth- 
ers censured for countenancing hiia. This excited the ire of the 



298 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1662 

Had the commission been carried into execution, the 
Plymouth church, and all others in the colonies, must 
have been entirely annihilated. The great perplexities 
and troubles occasioned by the new sect of quakers 
obtruding themselves about the year 1650 and 1660, 
have already been detailed in a preceding page. The 
synod of 1662, decided, that all baptised persons were 
to be considered members of the church, and if not 
scandalous in their lives, to be admitted to all its privi- 
leges, except a participation of the Lord's supper. 
This decision was acquiesced in, by the Plymouth 
church, and most of those of New England.- But by 
some it was contended, that this division was departing 
from the ancient strictness in admitting persons to the 
Lord's supper, and abandoning the principles, that par- 
ticular churches ought to consist of regenerate persons 
only. Tt gave rise to what has been commonly called 
the Halfway Covenant, which was deemed a declen- 
sion from, and indifference to vital religion. The pro- 
vision, that none should have the rights of freemen 
but those who were members of some church, was at- 
tended with some serious consequences : it prepared 
the way in some instances for corruption in doctrine 
and practice, and operated to the injury of churches, 

Archbishop ; who was induced to aven2:e himself on Mr. Winslow, 
personally , alleging, that, being a layman, he had assumed the min- 
isterial office in teaching publicly in l he church, and in solemnising 
marriages. Morton being produced as evidence, testified to the 
facts. Mr. Winslow replied, that sometimes, when destitute of a 
minister, he did exercise his gift to help the edification of his breth- 
ren, when better means could not be had ; and as to the second 
charge, he acknowledged that he had married some, but as a magis- 
trate, not as a minister ; that marriage was a civil ordinance, and 
he nowhere found in the word of God that it was confined to the 
ministry ; that necessity obliged them to it, having for a long time 
together at first no minister ; that the thing itself was no novelty in 
the reformed churches, he himself having been married by the 
magistrate in Holland, in their State House. These replies avail- 
ed not, and the archbishop, by ' vehement importunity, procured 
their Lordship's consent to his commitment, upon these and other 
like charges.' 



1667] OF PLYMOUTH. 59d 

and the detriment of the cause of religion. No exam- 
ination for church membership could, in all cases, de- 
tect the real motive for the application, and the desire 
for the enjoyment of civil privileges might be conceal- 
ed under the veil of religion. Church membership 
being a qualification for the privileges of freemen, was 
a source of great dissatisfaction, and was discontinued, 
partly in 1664, and entirely about 1686. In the years 
from 1664 to 1666, Mr. James Williams and Mr. Wil- 
liam Brimsmead officiated as the ministers of Ply- 
mouth, but made no permanent settlement. 

1667. JVovember 30. — Mr. John Cotton, Jr., son of 
the famous John Cotton, who was for several years a 
religious teacher of the first church of Christ in Bos- 
ton, commenced his ministerial duties in Plymouth, 
and on June 30th, 1669, was ordained the pastor of the 
first church. At Mr. Cotton's first settlement there 
were resident in the place 47 church members in full 
communion, and on August 1st, Mr. Robert Finney, 
and Mr. Ephraim Morton were chosen deacons, and 
were ordained by the elders. In January follovi^ing, 
the church agreed to begin monthly church meetings 
. for religious conference, which were constantly attend- 
ed for many years, and much good resulted from that 
exercise, being on Saturday afternoon previous to the 
sacramental communion. The numbers admitted to 
full communion, the first year of Mr. Cotton's ministry, 
were twenty-seven. In 1670 fourteen ; the next year, 
seventeen. In 1672, six, and during the 30 years of 
his ministry, there were 178 members admitted. Mr. 
Cotton remained in the ministry at Plymouth until 1697; 
during that whole period he was indefatigable in his 
exertions to convert the heathen, and no less so in 
gaining members to his own church. He requested all 
such members of his church as were heads of families, 
to attend once in two months, and receive from him 
sundry questions, which they were to answer from the 
scriptures. Having read their answers, he gave his 



SOO ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [I668 

own, and preached on the subject. It had been the 
practice in the Plymouth church for candidates for ad- 
mission to fellowship, to present an open relation of the 
experiences of a work of grace in the heart, but in 
1688, some alteration in this respect was made, and it 
was agreed, that such as were bashful and of low voice, 
and not able to speak in public to the edification of 
the congregation, the elders might bring before the 
church in private, but voting their admission should be 
before the congregation ; they having been examined 
and heard before by the elders in private ; and they 
stood propounded in public for two weeks. The re- 
lations of the women, being written in private from 
their mouths, were read in public by the pastor, and 
the elders gave testimony of the competency of their 
knowledge. 

In town meeting, October 29tb, 1668, it was agreed 
to allow to Mr. Cotton the sum of £80 for the follow- 
ing year, one third part in wheat, or butter, one third 
part in rye, barley or peas, and the other third in In- 
dian corn at stipulated prices. In 1677 the same sum 
was allowed him, and to continue till God in his pro- 
vidence shall so impoverish the town that they shall be 
necessitated to abate of that sum. In November, 
1680, it was voted to convey to Mr. Cotton the minis- 
ter's house and homestead, and to his heirs forever, 
except the lot given to the church by Bridgett Fuller 
and Samuel Fuller, which reserve is the parsonage at 
the present time. The homestead conveyed to Mr. 
Cotton was situated where Job Churchil's and Le Bar- 
on's houses now stand. August 4th, 1687, it was pro- 
posed in town meeting to allow Mr. Cotton £90 for 
that year, but it was opposed by a large majority, as 
exceeding their ability, and it was then agreed that the 
minister's salary should he paid by voluntary subscrip- 
tion. In 1694, Mr. Isaac Cushman was invited to set- 
tle as a religious teacher with a church and society 
formed in that part of Plymouth which is now Plymp- 



1666] OF PLYMOUTH. 301 

ton. The acceptance of Mr. Cusbman laid the foun- 
dation of an unhappy and lasting division between Mr. 
Cotton, the pastor, and his church ; ibe pastor strenu- 
ously contended that Mr. Cusbman ought not to setde 
before being designated to the office of ruling elder by 
the church. This controversy continued about three 
years with considerable warmth, and occasioned the 
withdrawal of some of the members of the church. 
At length, many ill reports were propagated, injurious 
to the reputation and feelings of Mr. Cotton ; and a 
mutual council was called, with a strong desire of a 
permanent reconciliation of difficulties. But this prov- 
ing unsuccessful, it was deemed advisable that the pas- 
tor ask a dismission, and that the church grant it, ' with 
such expressions of their love and charity as the rule 
called for.' Mr. Cotton, accordingly, resigned his of- 
fice, and at his request, was dismissed October 5th, 
1697, to the great grief of a large number in the church 
and in the town, who earnestly desired his continu- 
ance. After this he tarried more than a year in Ply- 
mouth ; in which time he preached some sabbaths in 
Yarmouth ; and then having a call to Charleston, 
South Carolina, he accepted the same, and having 
made up all differences with the Plymouth church, and 
received a recommendation from several ministers, he 
set sail for Carolina, November 15th, 169S, where he 
gathered a church, and was very abundant and success- 
ful in his labors ; as appears from a daily journal, un- 
der his hand, which is yet extant. 

Mr. Cotton died at Charleston, much lamented, on 
the 1 8th of September, 1699, aged about 60. In the 
short space of his continuance among that people, there 
were about 25 members added to the church and ma- 
ny baptized. He was treated with the highest honor 
and respect, and the church manifested their affection 
for his memory by taking the charge of his funeral, and 
erecting a handsome monument over his grave. The 
church in Plymouth erected a stone to his memory al- 
26 



302 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1676 

SO, in the burial ground, with a suitable inscription. 
From a diary kept by Josiah Cotton, Esq., I have cop- 
ied the following sketch of the life of his fatiier. ' John 
Cotton, son of the minister in Boston, was born March 
15th, 1639-40, graduated in 1657, and preached at 
various places in Connecticut, and afterwards in Old 
Town, on the Vineyard, where he learnt the Indian 
language. He had a vast and strong memory, and 
was a living index to the Bible ; if some of the words 
of almost any place of scripture were named, he could 
tell the chapter and verse ; and if chapter and verse 
were named, he could tell the words. He sometimes 
preached in the Indian language, and he corrected the 
second and last edition of the Indian bible. He pray- 
ed in Indian, in his Indian lectures. His method of 
preaching was without notes. He had a good gift in 
prayer, in which he greatly enlarged on particular oc- 
casions. He was a competent scholar, but divinity 
was his favorite study. He discharged the work of 
the ministry to good acceptance, both in public and in 
private, and was very desirous of the conversion of 
souls. He ruled his house like a tender parent ; was 
a hearty friend, helpful to the needy, kind to strangers, 
and doubtless a good man. And yet, what man is 
there without his failings ? He was somewhat hasty, 
and, perhaps, severe, in his censures upon some per- 
sons and things, which he thought deserved it ; and 
that possibly might occasion some hardships he met 
with, and the violence of some people against him. 
But the brightness of the celestial world will effectual- 
ly dispel the blackness of this.' Mr. Cotton strenuous- 
ly opposed 'the sabbath being called Sunday; as it ori- 
ginated with some heathen nations who were worship- 
pers of the sun ; that planet being the object of their 
idolatry.' 

In July, 1676, the church, and all the clmrches in 
the colony, (at the motion of the general court,) sol- 
emnly renewed covenant with God and one another, 



1686] OF PLYMOUTH. 303 

on a day of humiliation appointed for the purpose ; 
wherein, after confession of the prevailing evils of the 
times, they entered into strict engagements, through the 
assistance of divine grace for personal and family re- 
formation. The children of the church bore a part in 
this transaction. The church also renewed covenant 
in the like method, in April 1092 ; which transactions 
were attended with much solemnity, and were, accord- 
ing to the account of the church in Plymouth, of great 
service to the interest of vital piety. But a few months 
after the first renewal of the covenant in 1676, it was 
ascertained that some of the brethren walked disorder- 
ly, in sitting too long together in public houses with 
vain company, and drinking. The church unanimous- 
ly consented, that a rea^^on should be demanded of the 
party thus offending, and, if any did not give satisfac- 
tory reason, it should be accounted just matter of of- 
fence. The elders then propounded that due care 
might be taken of the children of the church, that they 
mighc not transgress. 

In 1683, a new house for public worship was erect- 
ed on the same spot occupied by the other, 45 feet by 
40 and in the walls 16 feet, uncoiled, gothic roof, dia- 
mond glass, with a small cupola and bell. 

December I9th, 1686. — Deacon Finney being dis- 
abled through infirmities and old age from going abroad, 
Mr. Thomas Faunce was unanimously chosen deacon 
in his stead, and was ordained to that office soon after. 
Deacon Finney died January 7th, 1687, at 80 years of 
age. His colleague. Deacon Morton, survived until 
October 7th, 1693. On the 11th of December, 1691, 
died Mr. Thomas Cushman, the elder, aged 84 years, 
having; officiated in that office near 43 years. Decem- 
ber 16th was kept as a day of humiliation, on account 
of his death ; and a liberal contribution was made for 
his widow, as an acknowledgment of his great services 
to the church. 

In October, 1681, was introduced the practice oi 



304 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1694 

reading the psalms line by line, when singing in meet- 
ing ; it being proposed by a brother who, as supposed, 
could not read. Tlie elder performed this service, af- 
ter the pastor had first propounded the psalm. In the 
spring of 1694 the pastor introduced a new method of 
catechising ; attending it on sabbath day noons, at the 
meeting house; the males and females alternately; 
and preaching on each head of divinity as they lie in 
order in the catechism. This course was constantly 
attended through the summer, communion days ex- 
cepted, and many of the congregation attended. Our 
present Sunday Schools appear to be a revival of this 
practice, and reflect honor on our ancestors. 

In March, 1694, the church chose George Morton, 
Nathaniel Wood, and Thomas Clark to be deaccns, 
and nominated deacon Faunce and Isaac Cushman for 
elders. In the same year Jonathan Dunham and Sam- 
uel Fuller received a call, and were ordained to the 
woik of the ministry ; the former to Edgarton, Mar- 
tha's Vineyard, the latter at Middleborough, where a 
church was at the same time gathered, consisting part- 
ly of members from Plymouth church. Mr. Fuller 
died about 8 months after, aged 66 years. This was 
a great public loss, as he was a pious christian, and a 
useful preacher. ^ 

The same month that Mr. Cotton received his dis- 
mission the church, engaged Mr. Ephraim Little to of- 
ficiate in the pastoral duties ; and, after about two years 
probation, he was ordained their pastor, October 4th, 

* Mr. Fuller was the son of Dr. Fuller, who came over in the 
first ship, and w as so useful as a physician and surgeon, and a dea- 
con in tlie church. 

The following is recorded in the Old Colony Book of Records. 

' Bridgett Fuller and Samuel Fuller, both of Plymouth, for sever- 
al reason:^ moving us thereunto, do by these presents freely give 
unto the church of Plymouth, now in being, for the use of a minis- 
ter, a certain garden plat, being half an acre more or less, to the 
only pioper use of the church of Plymouth for the ends abovesaid, 
to said church successively forever.' Dated March 1st, 1664. 



1718] OF PLYMOUTH. 305 

1699. The churches assisting were those of Wey- 
mouth, Marshfield, Duxbury, and the second in Ply- 
mouth. The second church in the town had been 
formed about a year before, and Mr. Isaac Cushman 
was their ordained pastor. Tiiis was the fourth church 
derived from the Plymouth church, and was seated at 
a place since called Plympton. In April, 1699, the, 
church chose deacon Thomas Faunce, their ruling el- 
der, to assist Mr. Little in church affairs ; and he was 
ordained to that office by Mr. Little, and Mr. Cush- 
man, October 25th, 1699. He was a man of consider- 
able knowledge, eminent piety, and great usefulness, 
always full of religious discourse. In May, 1706, this 
church, and all the churches in the province, had a 
contribution for the Island of St. Christophers, which 
had been insulted and ravaged by the French. 

February 6th, 1707, at a church meeting, the pastor 
proposed to the church the setting up private family 
meetings, in the respective neighorhoods in the towns, 
for family and other spiritual exercises, which was ap- 
proved and agreed upon. On the 3d of June, 1715, 
the meeting house built in 1683 was struck by light- 
ning and very much shattered. In June, 1715, a day 
of fasting and prayer was observed on account of the 
great sickness and mortality prevailing in the town, 
* about 40 dying in a little time ; and behold ! a gra- 
cious God so far heard the cries of his people that the 
sickness abated, and there was no death for many- 
weeks after.' In the spring of the year 1716, the 
church unanimously chose Mr. Thomas Foster and 
Mr. John Atwood to the office of deacons, but the pas- 
tor, questioning the lawfulness and expediency of or- 
dination in such cases, declined it for a time ; at which 
the majority of the church, being much dissatisfied, he 
at last conceded to give them a solemn charge, but with- 
out the imposition of hands ; which was done accord- 
ingly, the pastor beginning with prayer and the elders 
concluding. July 19th, 1718, Ephraim, the son of 
26* 



306 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1*727 

Eleazer Holmes, was baptized on a Saturday at his 
house, he being at the point of death, and died about 
six iiours after. Tliis being the first instance of that 
nature in the town, viz. of baptising privately, the pas- 
tor sets down the grounds of the proceeding, as follows, 
* 1. The child was undeniably a proper subject of bap- 
tism, the mother being in full communion. 2. I never 
could find that baptism, (viz. the administration of it,) 
is any where in the scripture limited to the sabbath, 
or a public assembly, and I always had a greater re- 
gard to the scripture than the custom or practice of any 
minister or church, &lc.' In the year 1717, the north 
part of the town, called Jones River Parish, was set off 
into a distinct society, and settled Mr. Joseph Stacy as 
their minister. This was the fifth church springing 
from the Plymouth church. They were made a town- 
ship in 1724, and took the name of Kingston. The 
Rev. Mr. Little died November 23d, 1723, in the S4th 
year of his age. His remains lie in the Plymouth bu- 
rial place, being the first minister buried here, after one 
hundred and three years settlement of the place. ' He 
was a gentleman more inclined to the active, than the 
studious life ; but should be remembered for his useful 
services as a minister, and for his exemplary life and 
conversation, being one of good memory, a quick in- 
vention, having an excellent gift in prayer, and in oc- 
casional performances also excelling. But what can 
never be sufficiently commended, was the generosity 
of his spirit, and his readiness to help all that were in 
distress.' After Mr. Little's decease, and the minis- 
ters of the neighborhood had taken their turns in sup- 
plying the pulpit, Mr. Nathaniel Leonard was chosen 
to succeed him, on the 13th of February, 1724, and 
was solemnly ordained on the 29th of July following. 
The churches sent to were those of Taunton, Cambridge, 
Scituate south church ; Pembroke, Middleborough, 
Bridgewater, north and south churches, and Sandwich. 
January 22d, 1727, the church elected Mr. Haviland 



1737] OP PLYMOUTH. 307 

Torrey and Mr. Thomas Clark to the office of deacon. 
March 18th, deacon Clark died ; on the 29th Decemr 
ber deacon Torrey was ordained, with prayer and im- 
position of hands. 

Manomet Ponds was made a precinct, but not in- 
corporated, in 1731. On the 8th of November 1737, a 
church was embodied there, consisting of 25 members 
from the parent church ; and Jonathan Elh's was ordain- 
ed their first pastor. This was the sixth derived from 
the ancient church, and the second of Plymouth. Mr. 
Ellis was enthusiastic, he participated in all the ex- 
travagances and fanatic irregularities introduced by An- 
drew Croswell, a few years after his settlement, and 
proceeded to such excesses of religious frenzy, that 
his people thought proper to dismiss him, preferring, 
they said, to travel from 7 to 9 miles to meeting, rath- 
er than countenance his conduct. A council was con- 
vened, and by their advice Mr. Ellis was dismissed, 
October 3 1st, 1749. He soon after however, receiv- 
ed a call from the church at Little Compton, where he 
was installed December 5th, 1749. December 26th 
1753, Elijah Packard, of Bridgewater, was ordained at 
Manomet Ponds; sermon by Rev. Mr. Perkins, Mr. 
Leonard, Mr. Angier, and Mr. Bacon assisting. Mr. 
Packard continued their minister till 1757, after which 
the society continued destitute thirteen years. In 
1770, April 18th, Rev. Tvory Hovey was installed over 
the church at Manomet Ponds, where, to use his own 
words he ' lived peaceably and comfortably.' This 
pious and venerable man died greatly lamented, No- 
vember 4th, 1803, four months advanced in his 90th 
year. Mr. Hovey graduated at Harvard in 1735, and 
in October, 1740, he was ordained at Rochester south 
parish, whence, at his own request, he was dismissed 
in 1769, in consequence of sectarian influence. He 
kept a diary, comprised in nine octavo volumes of al- 
most 7000 pages. ' How uniform and how tranquil 
must have been the tenor of his way.' Blessed are 



308- ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1743 

the meek. Mr. Hovey was an exemplary christian, 
and mutual attachment and love subsisted between him 
and bis people. The successor of Mr. Hovey was Rev. 
Seth Stetson, who was ordained July 18th, 1804 ; the 
sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Barker, of Middle- 
borough, Mr. Niles and Mr. Judson assisting in the so- 
lemnities. Mr. Stetson commenced his ministry re- 
putedly a devotee to Hopkinsian doctrines ; after a few 
years he adopted unitarian principles, and again waver- 
ing in his faith, he became a convert to the universa- 
list sentiments, when the connexion was dissolved. 

The precinct at Manomet Ponds was incorporated 
in 1810, when its boundaries were enlarged, including 
Halfway Ponds. Rev. Harvey Bushnell succeeded Mr. 
Stetson, and was ordained November 21, 1821. He 
continued his connexion but a short time, and was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Moses Partridge in 1824, who died, 
greatly lamented, September 25th, of the same year, 
aged 36 years. Rev. Joshua Barrett, the present pas- 
tor, was ordained in 1826. 

After several years consideration, the Plymouth 
church voted their consent to the synod's propositions 
in 1662, relating to the subject of baptism; it being 
ever their practice, before, to admit only the children 
of communicants to baptism. 

January 31, 1733-4. — At the motion of the pastor, 
the first church unanimously voted to desire the dea- 
cons to catechise the children between meetings on the 
sabbath, as soon as the days were sufficiently lengthen- 
ed ; to ask them four or five questions at a time, till 
they had learnt the catechism through. Our sabbath 
schools at the present day appear to be a revival of this 
practice, and reflect honor on our ancestors. 

In February, 1743, Mr. Andrew Croswell, a famous 
itinerant preacher, came to this town, and commenced 
preaching and exhorting in such a wild manner as to 
throw the whole town into the utmost confusion. On 
a sacrament day he publicly declared that he had rea- 



1'*'43] OF PLYMOUTH. 309 

son to think that three quarters of the communicants of 
that day were unconverted. Curiosity induced many 
people to attend his preaching, and his audience soon 
became very numerous. His meetings were some- 
times continued the whole twenty-four hours, with little 
intermission, allowing the people no time for serious, 
calm reflection. At length the disorder became so 
great, that it appeared as though the people were affect- 
ed with a religious delirium. Croswell was so lost 
to -all sense of propriety and decorum, that he actually 
pressed negroes and children into the pulpit to exhort 
the people, and having thciir own passions excited, 
noise and outcry filled the assemblies. Those friends 
to religion and order who opposed these irregularities, 
or would not go the whole length with Croswell, were 
called enemies to religion and God. The Rev. Leo- 
nard, the pastor of the first church, gave countenance 
and encouragement to these extravagant proceedings, 
and additions were made to his church. Ttiis strange 
infatuation continued several weeks, and an alteration 
was observable among the people, but a change from 
open profaneness and irreligion, (always desirable) to 
a boisterous extravagance of enthusiasm and rash 
judging of others is not to be deemed a proper refor- 
mation. Many serious people were offended, some 
absented themselves from the communion, some went to 
other meetings, or stayed at home. The friends of 
rational sober religion deprecated the system of itiner- 
ant preaching, as calculated to subvert the influence and 
counteract the labors and exertions of settled pastors, 
destructive to church order and decency, and having 
a direct tendency to unsettle faithful ministers of 
churches, and to cause discord among the brethren. 

Josiah Cotton, Esq., a member of the first church, 
and orthodox in his principles, being alarmed for the 
honor of religion and the prosperity of the church, 
made a written request, that the pastor would assemble 
the church to consider the following things : — 



310 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1743 

* 1. Whether a sudden and short distress, and as sud- 
den joy, amounts to the repentance described and re- 
quired. (2 Corin. vii. 9 — 11.) 

* 2. Whether the judging and censuring others as un- 
converted, against whose Hves and conversation no- 
thing is objected, be not too pharisaical, and contrary 
to the rule of charity prescribed in the Word, and a 
bold intrusion into the divine prerogative. 

* 3. Whether that spirit which leads us off from the 
scriptures, or comparatively to undervalue them, be a 
good spirit ; as, for instance, the disorder and confu- 
sion in our public meetings, contrary to the scripture 
rule, (1 Cor. xiv.) the breaking in upon the order 
and religion of families, by frequent unseasonable 
evening lectures, without scripture precept or exam- 
ple, (except one extraordinary case.) 

* 4. Women and children teaching and exhorting in 
the public assemblies, contrary to the apostolical direc- 
tion. Many other things might be mentioned, but are 
omitted. But inasmuch as it has been publicly sug- 
gested that three fourths of this church are unconvert- 
ed, we would humbly move that we may meet togeth- 
er, in order to know whether they are in charity with 
one another, and also, that the admission of members 
may not be too hastily pushed on, till vve are better 
satisfied concerning the spirit that stirs up people to 
their duty herein.' 

It does not appear that this address received the re- 
quired attention; and a part of the society, dissatis- 
fied with the prevailing disorder, resolved to separate, 
'the old lights from the new.' Josiah Cotton, Esq., 
with eighty others, petitioned to be separated from the 
old society, which was granted ; and in 1744, a new 
church and society was formed from the old, and was 
called the Third Church and Congregation in Ply- 
mouth. This was the seventh from the ancient church. 
The venerable Elder Faunce was an opposer of Cros- 
well, and on this occasion a seceder from Mr. Leon- 



1749] OP PLYMOUTH. 311 

ard's church. This new society erected a bouse of 
worship, which was dedicated by Rev. Mr. Eels, of 
Scituate, January 5th, and he preached in it again on 
the following sabbath. This house was located in 
Kings, now Middle street, and was a neat, convenient 
edifice, of wood, with a tower and spire in front. The 
lot was a donation from Thomas Murdock, Esq. 
Croswell continued to distinguish himself by his arro- 
gance and fiery expressions against many who were 
esteemed as the best of men in society. He held the 
opinion, that holiness of heart and life is no good evi- 
dence of justification ; but that it lays in some feelings, 
or impressions, or manifestations of the love of God, 
and joy in him, without, or beside the scripture. His 
many trances, visions, dreams, and extacies, finally 
cooled the wild proceedings, and terminated the delu- 
sion. 

In 1744-5, Mr. Whitefield, an English Episcopal 
clergyman, about twenty-five years of age, itinerating 
through the country, came to Plymouth by invitation 
and preached, six sermons to a very numerous audito- 
ry. The power of his oratory, accompanied as it was, 
by very extraordinary gesticulations, and by great flu- 
ency and readiness in speaking without notes, together 
with his new and unusual phraseology, and his zeal in 
the cause to which he had devoted so much labor, was 
very captivating with most people, though some did 
not like and others would not hear him. 

Mr. Whitefield came again to Plymouth, November 
1755, and preached five sermons in three days, with 
popular applause. 

The Rev. George Whitefield, in 1749-50, made a 
public confession (in print) that he had been too 
free with the characters of men, and also in using 
the apostolic style in his writings, giving too much heed 
to impulses, and having too much wild-fire in his zeal ; 
all which he condemned, but his admirers approved, 
— Cotton's MS. Diary. 



812 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1749 

JVovember 7th, 1144. — Rev. Thomas Frink, who 
had been minister at Rutland, was installed as pastor 
of the thirdchurch and society in this town, when Rev. 
Dr. Chauncy of Boston preached the sermon. This 
connexion continued until 1748, when by mutual con- 
sent Mr. Frink returned to Rutland. He is said to 
have possessed strong mental powers, and handsome 
literary acquirements. He was graduated at Harvard 
college in 1722. 

February 21th, 1745-6. — Thomas Faunce, ruling 
elder in the first church, died at the advanced age of 
ninety-nine years. He was the son of John Faunce. 
The father dying while the son was a child, Captain 
Thomas Southworth took him by the hand at the grave, 
led him to his own home, and from that time bestowed 
on him paternal affection. In the family of Mr. South- 
worth he was educated and instructed, and here his 
mind received the rudiments of those principles of hu- 
mility and piety by which he was so remarkably distin- 
guished in after life. It has been related, the elder 
has often been heard to say that for this education he 
should have reason to bless God to all eternity. He 
was first chosen deacon and afterwards elder, and he 
was the last that held that office. In those days the of- 
fice of elder was one of great consideration. An elder 
was regarded as the virtual representative of the church, 
and on an equality with the pastor. He was bound 
to keep a watchful eye over the doctrines preached 
as well as the principles and practices of the brethren. 

The Elder's house stood on the west side of the road 
near Eel river bridge. The house in which Mr. Josiah 
Morton now lives was a new addition attached to the 
ancient house, which was taken down about thirty years 
ago. Elder Faunce had two sons and two daughters, 
and the descendants are very numerous. 

Rev. Jacob Bacon, who had been a minister of 
Keene, New Hampshire, about ten years, was installed 
in the third church of Plymouth, in 1749, of which he 



1756] OF PLYMOUTH. 313 

continued the beloved and respected pastor till 1776, 
when the connexion was dissolved by mutual consent, 
the society still diniinisbing in consequence of the war. 
Mr. Bacon preached about eiglitcen months at Plymp- 
ton, second parish, (now Carver) whence he retired to 
Rowley, where he died 1787, in the cight^'-first year 
of his age. Mr. Bacon was born at Wrentham, 1706, 
graduated at Harvard college 1731. 

July, 1744. — The first society in Plymouth erected a 
new meeting-house, which they began to raise on the 
seventeenth, and on the twenty-ninth they began to 
meet in it. iMr. Leonard preached on the occasion. 

May 2d, 1745. — Mr. Thomas Foster, son of the late 
pious deacon Foster, and Mr. Joseph Bartlett were cho- 
sen deacons. 

October 3c/, 1754. — Mr. John Torrey, son of the 
former deacon, was chosen to that office. In the au- 
tumn of the year 1755, the Rev. Mr. Leonard labored 
under many infirmities of body, and, in the spring of 
1756, he asked a dismission, which the church granted 
on certain conditions. The precinct agn^ed to give him 
£160, lawful money, and he removed his family to Nor- 
ton, June, 1757~dismission from his pastoral relation to 
the church not to be completed till another minister was 
settled. The connexion with the Rev. Mr. Leonard be- 
ing thus dissolved, the church used unwearied endeavors 
for the resettlement of the gospel ordinances among 
them ; but it was two years before their desirable pur- 
pose could be accomplished. Amorig the numerous 
candidates, were a Mr. Sproat, then settled in Con- 
necticut, afterwards minister in Philadelphia ; Mr. 
Whitney, Mr. West, and not less than four.or five others. 
At length the church and congregation were happily uni- 
ted in the choice of Mr. Chandler Robbinsof Br?nford 
in Connecticut. The votes in the church being thirty- 
three to two, in the parish fifty-two to nine. The sti- 
pulated annual salary was £100 lawful money, with the 
improvement of the parsonage, and the privilege of cut- 
27 



3J4 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1794 

ting firewood from the parish lot. The parish also 
agreed to build for his use a parsonage house, which is 
the one now standing on the north side of Leyden 
street, and occupied by tlie present pastor. 

Mr, Robbins was solemnly ordained to the work of 
the ministry, January 30th, 1760. The churches as- 
sisting on this occasion were, the first, third, and fourth, 
of Bridge water; the first of Rochester ; the first of 
Plympton ; the first of Middleborough ; Abington ; 
Halifax; Bristol ; Taunton ; Raynham ; Berkley; Mil- 
ton ; and Branford, in Connecticut. The sermon was 
preached by Rev. Philemon Robbins, of Branford, the 
father of the pastor elect. On the same day that Mr. 
Robbins was ordained, the church, pursuant to agree- 
ment, and by the advice of the council, gave Mr. 
Leonard, who was personally present and assisted in 
the laying on of hands, a dismission in the most cor- 
dial terms, and a free and hearty recommendation to 
other churches. In 1783, the third church and con- 
gregation united with the first church and congregation 
into one parish. The meeting house belonging to the 
third parish was demolished, and the lot disposed of, 
leaving an alley-way,- six feet wide, through said lot. 

In 1794, about fifiy persons of high standing in the 
parish, not in all points satisfied with the ministry of 
the Rev. pastor, advanced proposals for a separation, 
and a formation of a new religious society, offering at 
the same time to erect a new house for worship. This 
proposal received attention at the hands of the pastor 
and church, and committees were chosen by the parties. 
Interviews and consultations ensued, compromise and 
reconciliation were attempted, but in vain. On the 
side of the church, the most rigid adherence to rules, 
precepts, and doctrines, was manifested. The appli- 
cants, too honorable to torture the feelings of a con- 
scientious minister, and deeming the peace of society 
too precious to be disturbed, yielded to the stronger 
side, consenting still to pay their proportion for the 
support of preaching preferred by the majority, and 



1799] OF PLYMOUTH. 3l5 

contenting themselves with the report of their com- 
mittee, which closes as follows : ' Upon the whole, the 
committee are constrained to lament the narrow policy 
of the church, in excluding from its communion many 
exemplary christians, merely on account of their differ- 
ent conceptions of some points of doctrine, about which 
learned and good men have entertained a great variety 
of opinions, and this circumstance is more especially a 
source of regret at this enlightened period, when the 
principles of civil and religious liberty are almost uni- 
versally understood and practised ; for, whatever stress 
son-ie persons may be disposed to lay on matters of 
merely speculative belief, the benevolent genius of the 
gospel will teach its votaries, amidst all their c^ifFerences 
of opinion, to exercise mutual candor and indulgence, 
that they may, if possible, preserve the unity of the 
spirit in the bond of peace. 

June 30, 1799.— Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D. de- 
parted this life, aged 61, after a ministry of 39 years 
over the ancient church and congregation in this town. 
He was born at Branford, in Connecticut, August 24, 
1738. His father was Rev. Philemon Robbins, a 
native of Cambridge, Mass. who graduated at Harvard 
college 1729. He graduated at Yale college 1756, 
and he is said to have been there distinguished as a 
correct classical scholar, and, besides common acquire- 
ments in the classics, he learned the French language, 
which he read, wrote, and occasionally spoke, through 
life. In his church records, 1 find one instance in 
which he performed the marriage ceremony in the 
French language. ^ Early impressed with the truth 
and importance of the christian system, and qualified, 
by divine grace, for the gospel ministry, he commenced 
a preacher of this holy religion before he reached the 
age of twenty. ' During his ministry he was ever 
anxious to-be instrumental in softening the callous heart 
of impiety, and silencing the tongue of infidelity: and 
his exemplary piety and religious zeal were calculated 



316 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1799 

to shield him from the reproaches of those who dissent- 
ed from his doctrines. In him was an example of re- 
ligion united with taste and accomplishments, courteous 
manners with an amiable cheerfulness of disposition. 
The funeral solemnities of Dr. Robbins were perform- 
ed in the meeting-house, when the throne of grace 
was addressed in an impressive manner, by the Rev. 
Mr. Shaw, and an ingenious discourse was delivered 
by the Rev. Mr. Sanger. His remains were deposited 
in the Plymouth burial ground, with the puritan fathers^ 
the parish by a committee, directing the solemnities 
and defraying the expense. On a subsequent sabbath 
the Rev. William Shaw delivered a well-adapted dis- 
course, which was published and dedicated to his be- 
reaved family and flock. 

Dr. Robbins manifested, unceasingly, an interest and 
solicitude for the cause of religion in general, and for 
the welfare and prosperity of the church and society of 
which he was the pastor. In theological sentiment. 
Dr. Robbins was strictly Calvinistic, believing {he Jive 
points equally essential with any points in holy writ. 
He also adopted some of the peculiar doctrines and 
tenets of Hopkins, with which his sermons were often 
tinctured, to the displeasure of many of his hearers. 
His occasional sermons were delivered with graceful 
eloquence and animation, which seldom failed to re- 
ceive the applause of his audience. When, in May, 
1794, he preached before the convention of ministers, 
from Acts xx. 2(3 :' I am free from the blood of all 
men,' — coming out of the house. Dr. Clark of Boston, 
cordially thanked him for his excellent sermon. Dr. 
Morse asked him, why he did that, since he did not 
concur in the sentiments, which had been delivered ? 
He replied, ' I love to see a minister act the part of an 
honest man.' He observed to a friend, that he felt it 
to be his duty on that occasion to offer a distinct ex- 
hibition of his own views of the christian salvation. 
His success in producing and maintaining the harmoni- 



1799] OF PLYMOUTH. 317 

ous union of his numerous flock, was ren:iarlvable. But 
his peculiar suavity of manners and christian humili- 
ty, with his felicity of expression, rendered his reli^^ious 
sentiments acceptable to many persons, who vvould 
not have well received similar sentiments from any oth- 
ers. He maintained, for several years, an extensive 
correspondence with English clergymen : one of these, 
whom he held in much estimation, was Rev. John 
Newton, rector of Olney in London. Dr. Robbins, 
coinciding with this gentleman in religious views, im- 
ported numerous volumes of his works, for the use of 
those of his parish who maintained similar sentiments. 
A Doctorate in Divinity was conferred on him at 
Dartmouth college, in 1792, and by the University of 
Edinburgh, in 1793. His pastoral cares were very 
extensive, comprising the whole town, with the excep- 
tion of Ponds parish, subsequent to the year 1781, when 
the third church and society united with the first. In 
the discharge of his laborious duties, he was ever 
found faithful and kind. He preached, chiefly with- 
out notes, having before him, as he termed it, the skele- 
ton of his sermon. In prayer, he was peculiarly de- 
votional and fervent. His voice was melodious, and 
his taste for music, both vocal and instrumental, was 
truly refined. Notwithstanding his parish was one of 
the largest in the commonwealth, and a considerable 
portion entertained sentiments opposed to those of the 
pastor, yet not a family but could unite under the same 
altar in the bonds of charity. Whatever may have 
been the diversity of opinion entertained by such a mul- 
titudinous assemblage, peace and harmony were seldom 
interrupted, nor affection and respect for the minister 
diminished. Dr. Robbins was consoled and encour- 
aged in his ministerial labors by the accession of about 
fifty members to his church in the latter part of his 
life, and an uncommon engagedness in the cause of re- 
ligion among the people of his charge. The poorest 
family in the parish would meet him at the threshold 
27* 



318 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1799 

with delight, the sick and afflicted relying with perfect 
confidence on his cordial sympathy and condolence. 

Dr. Robbins was destined to live during a remarka- 
ble period of our national history. In the revolutiona- 
ry struggle, he was a most zealous advocate for liberty 
and independence, and rendered essential advantages 
to the cause in his sphere of action. He was among 
the foremost of our patriotic clergymen, and subsequent- 
ly, when our political hemisphere w^as darkened by 
party s[)irit, he pursued a consistent course in the sup- 
port of order and good government. He married Jane 
Pjince, of Boston, niece of the late Rev. Thomas 
Prince, the annalist of New England. This accom- 
plished lady died September 1800, aged 60 years. 

Their children who lived to adult age, were five 
sons and two daughters ; three of the sons were grad- 
uatesof Harvard, one of whom died at Marietta, where 
he was settled in the ministry. Three sons and a 
daughter still survive. 

Dr. Robbins' publications bore such strong marks of 
the divine, the gentlemayi, and the scholar, as to reflect 
much honor on his name and memory. They are as 
follows : — 

Replies to Essays of Rev. John Cotton, on the 
practice of the half-way covenant. — Sermon on the 
death of JVJadam Watson, consort of George Watson, 
Esq. of Plymouth. — Sermon on the death of Mrs. Ho- 
vey, wife of James Hovey, Esq. — At the ordination of 
Rev. Lemuel Le Baron at Rochester 1772. — At the 
annual election, Boston, 1791. — Address commemora- 
tive of the French Revolution, 1793.— Sermon on the 
anniversary of the landing of the fathers at Plymouth, 
December 22d, 1793. — Century Sermon at Kingston, 
April 2d, 1794, at the request of its subject, Ebenezer 
Cobb. — Sermon before the Massachusetts Convention 
of Ministers, 1794. — Sermon at the ordination of Rev. 
Eliphalet Gillet, at Hallowell, August 12th, 1795.— Ad- 
dress before the Massachusetts Humane Society, June 



1799] OF PLYMOUTH. 319 

14th, 1796. — Sermon at ordination of Rev. Ward 
Cotton, at Boylston, 1797. 

After the death of Dr. Robbins the pulpit was sup- 
plied by the ministers who composed the association 
to which he belonged, and the salary was continued 
for the benefit of the widow and family. The selec- 
tion of a candidate to fill the office of pastor to this an- 
cient church and congregation, was considered as a 
measure requiring great circumspection. A clear ma- 
jority were in favor of a learned and enlightened cler- 
gyman, possessing liberal principles, free from all sec- 
tarian dogmas, who would preach the christian salva- 
tion in its pure simplicity, while a respectable minority 
manifested a conscientious adherence to the faith and 
doctrines of their late beloved minister, whose memo- 
ry they cherished with filial afl^ection. Their feelings 
and desires were to be consulted, and it would have 
been unkind to deprive them of their rights or to con- 
trol their opinions. The parish committee proceeded 
to the choice of a candidate, Mr. James Kendall, a na- 
tive of Sterling, who commenced his probationary 
course on the 2d sabbath in October, 1799. In De- 
cember, he received an invitation to become the pas- 
tor of the church and congregation, which with much 
deliberation, he accepted. The call was first given by 
the church,* 23 to 15, and concurred in by the con- 
gregation, 253 to 15. A committee of three from the 
church, and five from the parish, was chosen to make 
preparations for the ordination. The day appointed 
for that solemnity was January 1st, 1800; and the 

* The church has no power to contract with, or settle a minister j 
but that power resides wholly in the parish, of which the members 
of the church, who are inliabitants, are a part. But the parish, 
from an ancient and respectable usage, wait until the church have 
made choice of a minister, and request the concurrence of the par- 
ish ; and if (he parish do not concur, the election of the church is a 
nullity; aid if the. parish do concur, then a contract of settlement 
is made wholly between the parish and the minister, and is obliga- 
tory on them only. — Bigelow's Digest. 



320 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1800 

churches invited were, second church in Andover, 
church in Sterling, first church in Cambridge, church 
in Dorchester, third in Newbury, Brattle street in Bos- 
ton, church in Kingstonj third church in Biidgewater, 
church in Carver, church in Marshfield, second in Ply- 
mouth, second in Rochester, first in Middleborough. 
Also, were invited President Willard, Rev. Dr. Tap- 
pan, and all ofthe government of Harvard college. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. French, of Andover, 
and the other solemnities were performed by Rev. Dr. 
Peter Thacher, Rev. Dr. Tappan, Rev. Mr". W. Shaw, 
and Rev. Mr. Howland, of Carver. On the follow- 
ing sabbath two excellent sermons were preached by 
Dr. Tappan, which were published. Rev. Mr. Ken- 
dall graduated at Cambridge, in 1796, and was a tu- 
tor there when he received the invitation to settle. 
The honorary degree of D. D. was conferred on him 
at Harvard university in 1825. The conditions of 
settlement were, 600 doHars salary, and the improve- 
ment of the parsonage, consisting of a house and gar- 
den, and several pieces of land and meadow ; subse- 
quently, one hundred dollars were added, in consider- 
ation of fire wood. 

In October, 1800, the Rev. Dr. Dwight, then Pre- 
sident at Yale college, passed a sabbath in this town, 
and officiated in our pulpit. In his third volume of 
travels, he makes the following remark, ' On Sunday, 
we found a large and very decent audience in the 
old church. A singular custom was here exhibited to 
us ; more than fifty bills were read by the clergymen, 
desiring the prayers of the congregation for families in 
affliction. They were, principally, occasioned by the 
death of nine inhabitants, almost all of them at sea, 
which had either happened, or been first heard of, 
during the preceding week. In such a case, it seems 
a bill is presented for every branch of a family, which 
is peculiarly interested in the melancholy event.' This 
practice is now, in a great measure, discontinued. 



1814] OF PLYMOUTH. 321 

In 1801, the third congregational church of Ply- 
mouth was organized from the first church, and is the 
seventh branch from the original stock, now existing. 
In 1802, deacon John Bishop end one hundred and 
fifty three others were incorporated into a society, by 
the name of the tliird congregational society. In their 
petition, they stated the first parish consisted of 3044 
souls, and more than 500 rateable polls, making it in- 
convenient to w^orsliip in one house. This new socie- 
ty erected a house of worship, in 1801, in a pleasant 
situation fronting the training green, sixty feet by fifty- 
two, with a cupola and ball. Their first minister was 
Rev. Adoniram Judson, who had formerly been pastor 
of a church and society at Maiden, county of Middlesex. 
He was installed May 12th, 1802, and becoming a bap- 
tist, the connexion was dissolved August 12ih, 1817. 

Mr. Judson was held in respect for his moral virtues, 
and his meek and pious demeanor. He died in Scitu- 
ate, in 1826. The oldest son of Mr. Judson has been 
a zealous and respectable Baptist Missionary in the 
Birman emi)ire, since the year 1812. The Rev. Wil- 
liam T. Torrey succeeded Mr. Judson, and was installed 
January 1st, 1818, and he was dismissed March 12th 
1823. It is understood that the cause of his dismission 
existed with the church, there being a majority in the 
congregation in his favor. 

On the 26th of November, 1814, the first church 
was called to mourn the death of a pious and beloved 
brother, deacon William Crombie, aged eighty-three 
years. lie was a native of Andover, and officiated in 
the office of deacon nearly thirty-eight years. ' He 
was,' says the church records, ' a good man and an ex- 
cellent spirit was in him.' This was fully verified du- 
ing the whole course of his life, being meek and hum- 
ble in his temper, few men exhibited clearer evidence 
of a pure and upright heart. He had several children ; 
but one only, the widow of the late Dr. Nathaniel 
Bradstreet, of Newburyport, survives. 



322 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1824 

In 1814, a new church and society were formed at 
Eel river, from the first and third congregations, and 
being incorporated, they erected a meeting-house in 
that village, which is now undergoing improvement in 
a better style, and will accommodate the inhabitants in 
that vicinhy and South Ponds, who were distant from 
three to six miles, from their former place of worship. 
This is the fourth congregational church and society 
in Plymouth, and the Rev. Benjamin Whitmore is their 
minister. 

A Baptist church was constituted here in 1809, and 
the Rev. Lewis Leonard was ordained their first pas- 
tor. Rev. Caleb Blood, of Boston, preached the ser- 
mon. Mr. Leonard was succeeded by Rev. Stephen 
S. Nelson, July 28th, 1820, who continued his con- 
nexion till May 1823, when Rev. Benjamin Grafton 
became their pastor. He resigned in May 1829, when 
the office devolved on Rev. Thomas Conant, their 
present pastor. In 1821, this society erected a com- 
modious house of worship, in Spring street. 

We have a small society in town of the denomina- 
tion called Christians. The sentiments of this denom- 
ination have been explained at large by Rev. Mr. 
Clough. They object to the Trinity and other Calvin- 
istic doctrines. By some they are called Free-will 
Baptists. Mr. Joshua V. Himes was ordained their 
minister, in 1825. This connexion was soon dissolved 
but without any faulty conduct on his part. 

In 1824, Rev. Frederic Freeman succeeded Rev. 
"William T. Torrey, as pastor of the third church and 
congregation in this town, and was installed according- 
ly, having been ordained in North Carolina, as an 
Evangelist. Their house was, in 1827, enlarged 52 
feet by 12, making its present dimension 72 feet by 
52, and the interior of the lower part was made new, 
substituting a more modern style. The house has also 
a spacious room, 52 feet by 16, which is used for par- 
ish and occasional meetings. 



1831] OF PLYMOUTH. 323 

The third church are in sentiment as they have 
ever been, Calvinistic. 

In 1826, the first Universalist Society in Plymouth 
was incorporated, and they erected a meeting-house, 
on the north sideof Leyden street, 50 feet by 70, with 
a cupola and bell. Rev. James H. Bugbee is their 
ordained minister. This society, as a body, belong to 
that class of Universalists who disbelieve the doctrine 
of future punishment. 

In 1830, the third congregational church were agi- 
tated by a spirit of dissension towards the present pas- 
tor. A considerable portion of the church manifested 
a desire that the pastoral connexion should be dissolved, 
but it was otherwise determined, and attempts were then 
made to compromise by an amicable division of the 
church; and it was proposed, by the pastor, to call 
a mutual council, not to effect a reconciliation, but to 
sanction the measure of a separation. The council 
convened accordingly, on the 17th of March, and the 
result of their deliberations was a separation of the 
disaffected party, to be formed into a distinct church. 
The seceding division then convened a council, April 
13th, by whom they were organized, and they are de- 
nominated the Robinson Cons^regatioiial Church. 
This is the fifth in Plymouth, and a society consisting 
of seceders from the third congregation, having united 
with them, they, in 1831, erected a handsome house of 
worship in Pleasant street, and engaged Rev. Charles 
J. Warren, as their religious instructer. Thus our 
churches multiply by divisions and subdivisions. To 
notice the numerous admissions, removals, and instan- 
ces of discipline, and the comparative states of the sev- 
eral churches, would be to increase the number of pa- 
ges without benefit or interest to my readers. 

In the year 1831, the first parish in Plymouth came 
to the resolution to demolish their old meeting-house, 
which was in a state of decay, having stood eighty- 
seven years. A large proportion^ of the pews, from 



324 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1831 

the numerous changes that had taken place for years 
past, were in the hands of persons not connected with 
the parish ; and those who were desirous of becoming 
proprietors, would not involve themselves in the ex- 
penses to which a decayed house is constantly liable. 
A committee of disinterested persons was appointed to 
appraise the pews in the old house, and the building 
was sold at auction. In bidding adieu to this ancient 
temple, to which the society retained a devoted attach- 
ment, as the house of their fathers worship, the Rev. 
Dr. Kendall, on the lOih of April, 1831, preached an 
appropriate sermon in his excellent style, in which he 
gave a brief history of our ancient church, and a de- 
tail of the several societies derived from it. During 
the interval of eight months in which the new house 
was in building, the church and congregation held 
their public worship in the county court-house, where 
they were provided with convenient accommodations, 

JVew Meeting- House of the First Parish. 
' Beautiful in its 'elevation is Mount Zion.' 

On Wednesday, the Hth of December, 1831, the 
new meeting-house of the first parish was dedicated to 
the worship and service of God. A numerous and high- 
ly respectable congregation was assembled. Prayers 
and reading the scriptures were performed by Rev. 
Mr. Kent, of Duxbury, Rev. JVIr. Goodwin, of Sand- 
wich, and Rev. Mr. Cole, of Kingston. The Rev. 
pastor, *Dr. Kendall, delivered an excellent catholic 
sermon, from Ezra vi. 16. Among the various topics, 
the speaker adverted with reverence to the venerable 
pastor of the pilgrims, and his puritan associates. In 
speaking of the sacred temple, his invocation is, ' May 
these consecrated walls never reverberate with licen- 
tious opinions, the shouts of fanaticism, nor the denun- 
ciations of bigotry.' The services were closed by a 
fervent and impressive prayer by Rev. Mr. Brooks, of 



1831] OF PLYMOUTH. 325 

Ilingham. During the services, four hymns were 
sung, three of which were composed for the occasion. 
The worshippers in this house are Unitarians; be- 
lieving that ' Unitarian Christianity is the only system 
of faith and duty which can be drawn from the New 
Testament by a just interpretation of its contents.' 

This noble edifice is composed of wood, and is a 
beautiful specimen of church architecture. It was de- 
signed by George W. Brimmer, Esq., of Boston, and 
executed by an ingenious artist, Mr. Richard Bond, 
of Boston, who completed the work in a manner high- 
ly creditable to himself and satisfactory to the parish. 
The body of this church measures 71 feet by 60, 
and from the floor to the spring of the ceiling is 36J 
feet, — is without galleries, except that for the singers, 
which is in the tower, ov^r the entrance into the lower 
part of the house, and opens under a large gothic arch 
of 42 feet base. This gallery is lighted by the high 
gothic window in front, and thus the whole length of 
the building is seen from the pulpit. The floor ac- 
commodates 124 pews, the interior of which are paint- 
ed light green, while the exteriors are in beautiful imi- 
tation of oak, by Mr. Whitaker, and are capped with 
mahogany. The side windows, which are eighteen 
feet high, and seven feet wide, contain 284 diamond 
lights each ; — the glass being ground, the light is uni- 
form and agreeable. The pulpit is of com.mon form, 
the pannels and balusters gothic, and the whole paint- 
ed in imitation of oak. A crimson silk curtain is sus- 
pended from a gothic cornice, and on each side of the 
pulpit is a candelabra supporting a handsome bronze 
lamp ; and there is also on each side a smaller lamp, 
on a moveable stand. The house is warmed by two 
furnaces in the lower apartment, the heat ascending 
through a niche on each side of the door. The front 
is four feet wider than the body of the church, has a 
tower projecting 11 J feet, and rising 87 feet in height, 
with encircled octagon pillars at the corners, surmount- 
28 



326 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY [1831 

ed with ornamental pinnacles, and has wings, with 
similar pillars at their corners and on the sides. The 
wings contain the stairs which lead to the singers' gal- 
lery and to the belfry. The front door is pannelled 
and of a low arch, over which is a quatrefoil band. 
Above this is the front window, 36 feet high and 12J 
feet wide, containing 540 diamond lights, and is di- 
vided, like the side windows, into three divisions, with 
gothic scrolls at the bottom. The whole expense of 
this superb building, including the cellar, does not ex- 
ceed $10,000. In the afternoon on the day of the 
dedication, the pews were offered at auction, and 103 
were sold at an advance above the appraisal of nearly 
$1800. The amount of sales has been sufficient to 
defray the expense of building the new house, to pay 
the pew holders in the old house, and leave a surplus 
of about $2,500. 

During the building of this house, the workmen re- 
frained entirely from the use of ardent spirits. 

The first house of worship in this town was erected 
in 1648, it stood lower down in the town square than 
the site of the present house : and was furnished with 
a belL In 1683, another was built on the same spot, 
45 feet by 40, and 18 feet in the walls unceiled, gothic 
roof, diamond glass, with a small cupola and bell. In 
1744, a third church was erected on this consecrated 
ground, the raising commenced on the 17th of July, and 
on the 29th of the same month it was opened for public 
w^orship. The dimensions were about 72 by 64 feet, 
and the spire was 100 feet high, surmounted with a 
handsome brass weathercock. In the same year a sece- 
ding society erected a meeting house in Middle street ; 
this was the effect of great zeal in new light times, and 
there was no other secession during the remainder of 
the last century. Since the commencement of the pre- 
sent century, eight houses for public worship have been 
erected here, either by new societies or by rebuilding. 

The ancient church stands at the present time on a 



1832] OF PLYMOUTH, 327 

firm basis, and is in prosperity, worshipping the God of 
our fathers, rejecting some of their dogmas, but cher- 
ishing the same essential principles of christian ftiith 
and practice, and acquiescing to the fullest extent in 
the free enjoyment of each individual in the mode of 
worship which conscience may dictate. 

In the year 1819, Dr. Francis Le Baron, then in 
public service at New York, presented an elegant set of 
desk bibles for the use and benefit of the first church 
and society in Plymouth, as a testimony of his respect 
and regard for the society with which his ancestors had 
been connected, and the church where he received 
christian baptism. 

In 1822, Hon. Judge Davis having had the loan of 
the church records for the purpose of compiling a new 
edition of MoTton's New England Memorial, with con- 
siderable additions, and having for that purpose extract- 
ed about one hundred pages from said records, propos- 
ed to vest the copy-right of this new edition of the Me- 
morial in the first church and society of Plymouth, the 
profits to be applied " to the relief of the poor. But 
subsequently he proposed that the copy-right should be 
transferred to the Pilgrim Society, on the condition that 
the said society deliver to the first church one hundred 
and ten copies of said work for every 3000 copies 
which they may publislr, and in the same proportion 
for a greater or less number, being in full for a consid- 
eration of the transfer. 

It is remarkable that the meeting house which was 
built in 1683, was, on the 3d of June, 1715, struck by ' 
lightning, and considerably shattered, and on the 22d 
of November, 1831, the present house, when nearly 
finished, suffered a similar fate ; the north-east pinnacle 
was entirely destroyed, with some other damage, and 
the whole edifice narrowly escaped conflagration. 
Fortunately the building was insured, and the expense 
of repairs was paid by the underwriters. .A few years 
since, a large elm tree standing within a iQVf yards of 



328 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORr. [1832 

the same place, was so much injured by lightning that 
it died soon after. These incidents serve to show the 
expediency of lightning-rods and of insurance. 

In closing this history our spirits are animated with 
the prospect of amendment in our moral world, and in 
our day. The unrighteous spirit of intolerance and 
persecution, binding down the human mind by bonds of 
religious faith, is evidently on the wane. We have a 
cheering hope that our moral feelings will no longer be 
disturbed by the practice of aspersing the characters of 
pious and exemplary men on the grounds of difference 
of opinion in mysterious points of doctrine. This un- 
charitable temper has too long been a scourge to socie- 
ty, and we can have no sympathy with proceedings so 
manifestly inconsistent with the christian character. 
By indulgence these guilty passions ^in strength, 
harden the heart of man, and lead to licentiousness. 
But we rejoice that the day lias arrived when every 
citizen may think as he pleases upon subjects of reli- 
gion, and quietly offer his devotions in whatever temple, 
and whatever form his own judgment and conscience 
may prescribe for him. 

A learned, and candid spirited clergyman having 
perused the foregoing church history, offers the following 
as a closing paragraph. 

' In reading over the foregoing pages, the writer 
would unite with his candid readers in a grateful ac- 
knowledgment of the rich mercies of the God of hea- 
ven to this most ancient church of the United States. 
The little band of Pilgrims, who stepped upon this in- 
hospitable shore 212 years ago, with no support but the 
Almighty arm, so often made bare for their protection, 
have now become a great people. And we trust they 
are destined by Divine Providence, as they have hith- 
erto done, still to perform an important part in form- 
ing the character of the American church and the Ame- 
rican empire.' 



APPENDIX. 



Wree Schools. — The first Free School in New Eng* 
land ordained by law, was established in Plymouth in 
1671, under a grant, made by the government of the 
Colony the preceding year, 'of all such profits, as 
might or should annually accrue to the Colony, from 
time to time, for fishing with nets or seines at Cape 
Cod, for mackerel, bass or herrings, to be improved 
for and towards a Free School in some town of this 
jurisdiction, provided a beginning were made within 
one year after the grant. ' Plymouth made a beginning 
within the time limited, by establishing a school under 
the instruction of Mr. John Morton, who was a nephew of 
the Secretary, In the following year, the court, (the 
governor and assistants) to whom the general court 
(the governor, assistants and deputies) had intrusted 
the care and appropriation of the grant, declared the 
school in Plymouth entitled to its avails, and appointed 
Thomas Hinckley, steward of the said school, to take 
charge of its funds. In the same year, 1672, the profits 
and benefits of the Agawarn and Sippican lands were 
appropriated by the town to the maintenance of the 
Free School then begun in town, ' and not to be es- 
tranged from that end. ' Though Mr. Morton's school 
was strictly entitled, by the terms of the colony grant, 
to its benefit, yet, as he only taught * to read, write, 
and cast accounts, ' it failed perhaps under his instruc- 
tion to meet the expectations of the country. In the 
year last menlioned, 1672, a Mr. Corlet, a graduate 
28* 



HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1832 

of Cambridge, wss the Instructer. It would seem, that 
the higher standard of school learning, under Mr. Cor- 
let, did not please the town much better, than the plain 
education, under Mr. Morton, had satisfied the govern- 
ment. Two years after, viz. in 1674, the town, as if 
apprehensive that the Latin and Greek were encroach- 
ing on the more useful department, after limiting the 
grant, which it had made of the Agawaam and Sippican 
lands, to such only as had purchased of the Indians 
previous thereto, enter these directions, ' that their 
children be instructed in reading, when they are entered 
in the Bible ; and also, that they be taught to write and 
cipher, beside that which the country (that is, the co- 
lonial government) expects from said school.' In call- 
ing this school the first Free School in New England 
ordained by law, we are not unmindful of the law of 
1647, in the neighboring colony of Massachusetts. But 
that law did not ordain Free Schools, but a reasonable 
tax on the scholars was left to the discretion of the 
towns. Nearly all the schools in that colony in 1671, 
and much later, were supported in part by such a tax ; 
but there can be no doubt that in Boston, a free school 
actually existed before this period, and perhaps one or 
two elsewhere in that jurisdiction. 

The charge of the Free School in Plymouth was 
thirty three pounds per annum. Previous to this ex- 
cellent institution, common school learning, we are to 
infer, was easily accessible. Among the court orders 
are entries like this : 'Benjamin Eaton, with his mother's 
consent, put to Bridget Fuller, being to keep him at 
school two years, and employ him after, in such service 
as she saw good, and he shall be fit for. February 
11th, 1635.' 

Notice is again taken of the free school by the gene- 
ral court in 1674, and the Cape Fishery money appro- 
priated to it. It is probable that Mr. Corlet left the 
school this year, and in the next commenced that most 
distressing period of colonial history, the war with King 



1832] APPENDIX. 331 

Philip. There was no grammar master until 1699 

in the mean time the Cape funds were diverted, and 
distributed among all the towns in the jurisdiction. 
The school has since been kept up under a regular 
succession of grammar masters, though after the diver- 
sion of the Cape funds, small assessments were made 
on the scholars, according to thefr learning. The 
great importance of free schools has been fully appre- 
ciated by the present generation, who have been as 
well disposed as their progenitors, and better able, to 
promote them. In 1803, 1220 dollars were voted 
for all the schools in town, and in 1831 and for sever- 
al preceding years 2625 dollars have been appropria- 
ted to their support. There are fifteen districts, 
among which the sum of two thousand dollars is an- 
nually distributed, according to the number of children 
in each between six and sixteen, which number in the 
whole, by a census taken in 1827, amounted to 1028. 
In 1795 a school for girls was instituted by the town, 
to be kept in the summer months, at intervals of the 
town school. The central school district was separa- 
ted in 1826, at which time the town, or high school 
as it has been since denominated, was placed on an 
improved footing, and a quarterly examination is had 
for admission to it from all the districts. 

The first school house was built by subscription in 
1705, and stood a little south of the meeting house of 
the first parish; in the next year, however, it was pur- 
chased by the town. The present school house, on 
the northerly side of the meeting house, was built in 
1765. It appears to have been the usage for a long 
series of years to vote a school for three, four or seven 
years. A vote of this kind in 1725, locating the school 
in the centre for seven years, giving ' the ends ' liberty 
to deduct their rates, to support a school among them- 
selves, led to the immediate incorporation of Kingston. 
The first notice of district school houses is in 1714, 
viz. one at Jones river, and one at Eel river. 



332 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1832 

From 1661 to 1831, fifty persons, natives of this 
town were graduated at Harvard university, and two 
or more at Yale college. Of this number thirteen 
were congregational ministers, twelve lawyers, nine 
physicians, and thirteen or more merchants; the residue 
V. ere engaged in various pursuits. 

Our Sunday school first commenced in the third 
parish in the year 1818. In the first parish the school 
was established in 1827. The number of children 
who have been members of the school belonging to 
the first parish has been from one hundred sixty to two 
hundred, and the number of teachers twenty -five. 
And it is a remarkable circumstance, that up to Au- 
gust, 1831, there had not occurred a death of any per- 
son who has been connected with it either as teacher 
or pupil. 

A Sunday school is now established in each of the 
parishes in town, with a single exception. Great praise 
is due to our sabbath school teachers for their zeal and 
faithfulness in imparting christian knowledge to our 
youth. The whole number of attendants during 1831 
was about four hundred, males and females. It is in- 
deed to be desired that all our youth may enjoy the 
benefit of this inestimable institution, that their earhest 
impressions may be the nature of the gospel, and the 
moral and religious duties which it enjoins. 

Statistics. — Census of the town, at different periods. 
1764. 256 Houses, 373 Famihes. 2246 persons, 

including 77 Negroes and 48 Indians. 
1776. Whites only 2655. 

1783. including 35 negroes, 2380, number 

diminished by the war. 

United States Census. 

1791 - - souls - 2995 

1800 3524 

1810 - - - - 4228 

1820 4384 

1830 .... 4751 



1632J APPENDIX. 333 

Increase last ten years 367 ; 8J per. cent. 

Nunnber of dwelling houses in 1815, 409. In 1831, 
643. Number ofrateable polls in 1831, 1091. Num- 
ber of shops for the sale of West India and English goods 
in 1831, about 30. 

The annual sum appropriated for town expenses 
is from |8000 to ^'9000, besides the labor on the 
roads. 

But a few of the dwelling houses are of ancient date, 
or in antique style, eight or ten are three stories, and six 
or eight are of brick. Those recently erected, are in 
the style of modern architecture. The largest propor- 
tion are painted of a light color, with green blinds, giv- 
ing them an air of neatness and elegance. Strangers 
who visit us generally express themselves agreeably 
disappointed, and allow that our town will compare 
with any village in New England. In the number of 
houses, and in architectural taste, our improvements 
have been, and are now, increasing more rapidly than 
ever before ; and we gratefully acknowledge, in com- 
mon with our fellow citizens, that we live in the best 
country, and in the most prosperous age, which the 
v/orld ever knew. 

The following streets and squares received their de- 
signation in 1823. 

Leydcn Street is that which was laid forth in 1620, 
being the first street ever opened in Pl3'mouth. It ex- 
tends from the town square to Water Street. 

Market Street commences at the town house on the 
westerly side, and Bramhall's corner, so termed, on the 
east side, and extends south only to the stone arch 
bridge. 

Summer Street extends south westerly from Market 
Street, to the fork of roads beyond the rolling mill. 

Spring Street is the avenue extending northerly 
fs^om Summer Street to the Burial Hill. It was called 
Spring Lane by the first planters, as it led from their 



334 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [1832 ^, 

Fort Hill to a well known spring near the upper corn 
mill. 

High Street extends southwesterly from Market 
Street, over rising ground, crossing Spring Street, to 
Trible's corner on the east side, and Bartlett's corner 
on the west side. 

Pleasant Street extends from the stone arch bridge, 
over the hill known by the name of Watson's Hill to the 
Training Green. 

King's Lane is the avenue anciently known by that 
name, leading from Summer street, and crossing Lit- 
tle Brook to the termination of High street. 

Mill Lane is the avenue from the lower corn mill 
to Summer street. 

Sandwich Street is the ancient street on the south 
side of the town brook, extending south-easterly from 
the stone arch bridge by Training Green to WelHngsly 
brook. This is the post road to Cape Cod. 

JVorth Street begins at Warren's corner on the 
south side, and Dr. Cotton's corner on the north side, 
and ends at Water street. 

Water Street commences at the termination of 
North street, and extends southerly by the head of the 
wharves, across the lower bridge, and ends at its junc- 
tion with Sandwich street. 

Middle Street, [(ormerly known by the title of King's 
street, leads from Main street to Cole's Hill. 

Main Street begins at Hedge's corner on the east 
side, and at Wetherell's corner on the west side, and 
extends north-north-west by the head of North street, 
to Cotton's corner. 

Court Street begins at Cotton's corner, and extends 
north-westerly to Wood's lane. The elm trees on the 
west side of this street were planted in 1830. 

School Street is the avenue which extends northerly 
from the first meeting house by the head of the gar- 
dens to the new court house. 



1832] APPENDIX. 335 

JVorth Alley extends northerly from Middle Street 
to North Street. 

South Alley is the opposite alley leading from Mid- 
dle Street to Leyden Street. 

Training Green is a handson::e square on the south 
side of the town brook, laid out many years since by 
the town in perpetuity, for the convenience of training 
companies. 

Town Square is a handsome public square at the 
head of Leyden Street, directly in front of the meeting 
house of the first parish, having the old court house 
(now town house) on the south, and the dwelling house 
and garden of Mr. Brigham Russel, formerly owned 
and occupied by Capt. Thomas Davis, deceased, on the 
north side. This square has a gradual descent into 
Leyden Street, and unites with Water Street. It is 
ornamented by six majestic elm trees, the planting of 
which the present author witnessed in 1784, being 
brought from Portsmouth by Capt. Davis. The largest 
now measures in circumference 8 feet 8 inches, averag- 
ing about 2 inches annual growth in a very ordinary 
soil. 

Court Square, formerly Training Green, is in front 
of the new court house and Mrs. Nicholson's boarding 
house. The elm trees in that square were planted in 
May, 1832. 

Public Buildings. We have in town eight houses for 
public worship, where thirty years ago two were found 
sufficient. The busy workings of sectarianism have 
excited a singular passion for multiplying meeting 
houses, as though religion requires one for every chap- 
ter in the bible, and our religious societies are so mi- 
nutely divided that our ministers receive but a slender 
support. When will the varying sects return to the com- 
mon fold ? 

The County Court House, in our Court Square, is 
allowed to be an elegant edifice. It was erected in 
1820, of brick, and in point of symmetry and just pro- 
portion, it is in perfect keeping with the best models 



336 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. [J 832 

of modern architecture. On the lower floor is a fire- 
proof apartment for each of the offices of clerk of the 
courts, the register of deeds and of probate, and also a 
jury-room. Above, there is an elegant court chamber, 
a jury-room, a law library apartment, and two jury- 
rooms behind the gallery. The jail was also erected in 
1820. It is of un wrought stone, except the front which is 
wrought, and is in all respects adapted to the purpose for 
which it was designed. The house for the jail-keeper is 
of wood, and is a handsome and commodious building. 
The old county court house is converted into a town 
house, and we have school houses in the centre dis- 
trict. 

Pilgrim Hall. For a description of this edifice, 
the reader is referred to page 202. The front has 
never been finished with the doric portico, according 
to the original design, and that deficiency cannot be 
supplied until the requisite addition to our funds can 
be obtained. 

^griculiure. In the general view the land in this 
town is hilly, barren, and sandy, but a border of con- 
siderable extent on the sea board having been well cul- 
tivated, consists of a rich loamy soil, capable of yield- 
ing any agricultural production. The art of agricul- 
ture, however, has never been an object of study and 
consideration by the inhabitants of the town, — the pur- 
suits of commerce and navigation being more congeni- 
al to their habits and taste than the labors of husband- 
ry, especially on a soil not sufficiently fertile to en- 
courage their efforts. There are, nevertheless, loca- 
tions near the shore, where we have seen fields of In- 
dian corn, potatoes, rye, wheat, clover, and other cul- 
tivated grass, which would bear a comparison with the 
best farms in any part of the Old Colony. Instances 
have occurred of the produce of four tons of English 
hay per acre, and some of our fields have yielded sum- 
mer wheat of excellent quality at the rate of more than 
thirty bushels per acre; and the present season (1831) 



APPENDIX. 337 

a premium has been awarded to one of our industrious 
farmers for the production of forty-three bushels of 
rye on one acre and seven rods. But these instances 
are stated as the maximum and not the average. Our 
meadows generally will average from one and a half to 
two tons, and our corn land about twenty to thirty- 
bushels per acre. Orchards have not generally flour- 
ished to much advantage in this town. Although the 
trees are remarkable for rapid growth and healthy as- 
pect, it is seldom that they yield a correspondent abun- 
dance of fruit. The peach tree has so uniformly dis- 
appointed our expectations, that it would appear that 
our climate is uncongenial to its nature. Our gardens 
in ^general are sufficiently productive for all the pur- 
poses of culinary and domestic consumption, and some 
there are which exhibit the skill of the botanist and 
horticulturist. The vine has been recently introduced 
into our gardens, and there is no reason to doubt but 
that those who are disposed to bestow the requisite 
care and attention on its culture, will be able to fur- 
nish their tables with the luxurious fruit, in sufficient 
plenty, though it is not to be expected or desired that 
the wine press will ever be in requisition among us. 

The ancient Warren farm, situated at Eel river, 
three miles south of our village, has been, from the 
first settlement, in the possession of the Warren family, 
having descended from Richard Warren who came 
over in the Mayflower, 1620. This very valuable tract, 
consisting of about four hundred acres, has for a long 
time suffered deterioration from mismanagement and 
neglect. It is now in the possession of John Thomas, 
Esq., who has commenced its renovation. This gen- 
tleman having acquired a knowledge, both theoretical 
and practical, of the modern mode of culture, has, with 
commendable enterprize and industry, applied himself 
for two years past to improvement, in conformity with 
it. He has procured a stock of short-horned cattle, 
and is extending their breed. The sea shore fiarnish- 
29 



338 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

es rock weed and kelp in abnndance for compost ma- 
nure, and be has greatly enriched the meadow land and 
prepared fifty acres for mowing the next season. He 
has growing a large number of the while mulberry trees, 
and is making considerable progress in the culture of 
silk. 

The contiguity of this farm to the sea shore greatly 
enhances its value. 

There is another valuable farm, near the northern 
limits of the town, which, in 1665, was the seat of 
Governor Prince. This farm is bounded on its whole 
length by the sea bank, and consists of a variety of soils. 
It is now in the possession'of Isaac L. Hedge, Esq., who, 
duly apprecia.ting the value of a long neglected farm, 
is now engaged in meliorating its condition, in all fe- 
spects according to modern improvements. He has, 
at great expense, erected a large and convenient farm 
bouse and out building, and stocked the place with 
English, short-horn cattle. His barn and yard for 
swine are on a plan admirably adapted for the making 
compost manure, and the adjacent shore furnishes 
abundant materials for the purpose. There is in the 
centre of the farm an immense mass of clay for the 
manufacture of brick, which is conducted on a large 
scale. There is a beautiful brook passing through the 
farm and emptying into the sea. A considerable num- 
ber of acres had never received the plough till the last 
summer, and the soil is excellent. Mr. Hedge has paid 
great attention to fjuit trees and gardening, and he, 
with Mr. Thomas is presenting excellent examples for 
imitation. 

Below Plymouth town, bordering on Sandwich and 
Wareham, is a district of country, nearly twenty miles 
square, that is chiefly covered with wood, for the 
growth of which it is more valuable than for any other 
purpose. This place has always been well slocked 
with deer, but they are thinned off annually by the 
hunters. In January, 1831, a heavy snow, laying 



APPENDIX. 339 

about three feet deep, so impeded their motions as to 
prove fatal to a large proportion of the stock. A num- 
ber of people provided themselves with snow-shoes, 
and pursued these beautiful animals, killing and cap- 
turing not less than two hundred. About forty were 
taken alive. 

The pine commons of Wareham, Sandwich, and 
Plymouth, have ever been the favorite haunt of the 
fallow deer, where this timid animal finds some seques- 
tered dells, some secret recesses ; a covert from his 
enemy man, where 

* He bursts the thicket, glances through the glade, 
And plunges deep into the wildest woods.' 

About the year 1730, John Rider, of Plymouth, 
killed three deer at a shot, while feeding in his rye-field. 
This anecdote was related in England by General John 
Winslow, in very high circles. It excited the smile of 
incredulity, yet the event is most true. 

The valuation in 1831 gives to Plymouth woodland 
11,662; unimproved, 19,463; unimprovable 734 acres. 

Commerce and JYavi^ation of Plymouth, past and 
present. 

In 1670 a valuation states the fish boats thus : 
Four at £25 - - - £100 
Two at 18 - - - - 36 
One at 12 - - - - 12 

£148 
Three of these were owned by Edward Gray, a re- 
spectable merchant. 

From this period to 1770, the fisheries were gradu- 
ally increasing, and in 1774, seventy-five fishing vessels, 
of about 45 to 50 tons, navigated by seven or eight 
men each, were employed in this town. Merchant 
vessels from 1755, to 1770, or 1774, say, in the Liver- 
pool trade : 



340 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

Brigs 1 - - - Tons 130 

1 160 

1 - - - - 180 



470 



One schooner, owned by Samuel A. Otis, Esq., of 
Boston, made her outfits at Plymouth, for her voyages 
to Liverpool. Outward cargoes, liver oil, lumber, pot- 
ash, then made at Middleborough. Return cargoes 
salt, crates, freight for Boston. There may have been 
about twenty other vessels in the merchant service, 
whose outward cargoes were fish to Jamaica, some to 
the Mediterranean, and to the French islands, Martinico 
and Gaudaloupe. 

During the Revolutionary War this commerce, and 
these few vessels were chiefly annihilated, and at the 
peace of 1783, a few schooners only remained, but fish- 
ing vessels immediately increased in size and aggregate 
tonnage. 

Previous to the Revolution there was a considerable 
trade to Georgetown, South Carolina, and to Charles- 
ton. In the winter many vessels which had been em- 
ployed in fishing during the summer, took cargoes to 
North Carolina and Virginia, and returned in March 
with Indian corn, bacon, and live hogs, and this domes- 
tic trade still continued. 

' Previous to the last war with England, say from 
about 1808 to 1811, the commerce of the United 
States liad attained to a state of great prosperity, and 
its government and people reposed in security upon the 
advantages which had resulted from a neutral position.' 
Shipbuilding was constantly increasing, and large ships 
were in great demand for voyages of neutral freight. 
But the destructive embargo in 1808, and the war with 
Great Britain which followed, annihilated commerce, 
and blasted the fairest prospects and calculations of 
merchants. Several valuable vessels belonging to this 



APPENDIX. 341 

town were captured, others were perishing at the 
wharves, our raechanics and seamen reduced to a morti- 
fying state of idleness.* 

The commerce of Plymouth, including Diixburj^, 
and Kingston, may be estimated from the following ab- 
stract of duties : 

Years, Duties. Years. Duties. 

1801 $21,754 1806 $98,2-24 

1802 19,223 1807 62,592 

1803 30,305 1808 21,994 

1804 34,417 1809 32,575 

1805 63,411 1810 29,224 

Duties paid by merchants and others in the town of 
Plymouth, on importation at the port of Plymouth. 

Years. Duties. Years. Duties. 

1813 $1,751 1822 $16,887 

1814 ,428 -1823 12,706 

1815 6,056 1824 5,053 

1816 16,076 1825 8,151 

1817 12,446 1826 4,842 

1818 13,224 1827 13,119 

1819 11,221 1828 25,732 

1820 15,284 1829 31,237 

1821 16,677 1830 8,383 



1831 7,500 esti- 

mated. 

Enrolled Tonnage belonging to the town of Ply- 
mouth, employed in the coasting trade and fisheries, 
3,949 If tons. 

Registered Tonnage belonging to the town of Ply- 
mouth, 5,070f| tons, including l,170ff tons occupied 
in the whale fishery. 

* It has been stated that we had in foreign trade, in 1811 and 1812, 
17 ships, 16 brigs, 40 schooners. Of these were taken before Sep- 
tember, 1812, 1 ship, 1 brig, 4 schooner*. 

29* 



342 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

The following is the statement of the Cod and 
Mackerel fishery for the summer of 1831. 

Schooners in the Cod fishery 32, averaging 6lf^ 
tons, employing eight men each, and landing 19,165 
quintals of fish. 

The number of barrels of Mackerel inspected this 
season is 3183. 

To the inhabitants of the town the Cod fishery is an 
object of primary importance. To some it has been 
a source of wealth, and to multitudes of a comfortable, 
cheerful living. 

The fishermen in general are respectable for good 
morals, correct habits, and civil deportment. The 
idea prevails with some of them that fishing employ- 
ment is less honorable than foreign voyages, but let 
them consider that all honest enterprize and industry 
is honorable, and that fishing voyages are less liable 
to sickness and less exposed to dangers and vicious ex- 
ample — and, moreover, that the employment prepares 
them for services in the navy, where they may have the 
honor of fighting the battles of their country. It is 
much to the credit of our fishermen that when on the 
banks they carefully abstain from fishing on Sundays. 

Those vessels that are employed in the straits of 
Belleisle fishery, carry whale-boats, in which the fish 
are taken and remain there through the summer. 

To fit a vessel of seventy tons, carrying eight men, 
for a fishing voyage of four months, it requires about 
one hundred hogsheads, or eight hundred bushels of 
salt. Isle of May salt is preferred ; about twenty bar- 
rels of clam bait, thirty-five or forty barrels of water, 
twenty pounds of candles, two gallons of sperm oil ; 
these articles are in the fishermen's phrase called great 
generals, and are paid for from the proceeds before 
any division of the profits is made. The stone bal- 
last, and a suit of clothes for the men who salt the fish, 
are also included in the great general's charges. After 
these articles are paid for, and the fish sold, the profits are 



APPENDIX. 343 

divided in the proportion of three eighths to the owners, 
and five eighths to the crew. If the crew furnish their 
own provisions, each man carries from thirty to fifty 
pounds of pork, one hundred pounds of ship bread, 
from three to six gallons of molasses, from fourteen to 
twenty-eight pounds of flour, some J^utter, lard, and 
vinegar, formerly two to six gallons of rum. At the 
present time, some vessels go entirely without ardent 
spirits. Each man carries six codlines, thirty fathoms 
long, four lead weights of five pounds each, two dozen 
cod hooks, one pair of large boots reaching above 
the knees, and a piece of leather or oil-cloth to defend 
his breast from the wet. A few other articles, called 
small generals, are paid for equally by each man, as two 
cord of wood, a barrel of beef, one bushel of beans, 
twenty bushels potatoes, three bushels of Indian or rye 
meal. It is customary for the owners to put on board 
two or more spare anchors and forty fathoms of cable. 
The fish are brought home in the sah, and after being 
washed are spread on flakes to dry. ' 

Dun-jish are of a superior quality for the table, and 
are cured in such a manner as to give them a dun or 
brownish color. Fish for dunning are caught early in 
spring, and sometimes in February, at the Isle of 
Shoals. They are taken in deep water, split and 
slack salted, then laid in a pile for two or three months 
in a dark store, covered for the greatest part of the 
time with salt-hay, or eel-grass, and pressed with some 
weight. In April, or May, they are opened and piled 
again as close as possible in the same dark store till 
July or August, when they are fit for use. 

The amount of fish bounty paid to this town by the 
general government for the year 1831 is $17,501 47. 
Whale Fishery. There w^ere a number of schoo- 
ners and sloops employed in the whale fishery in this 
town previous to and immediately succeeding the war 
of the 1 evolution ; but there are now no vessels of that 
class so employed. In the year 1821, a number of 



344 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

citizens associated themselves together, and built a ship 
of three hundred and fifty tons for tlie purpose of fit- 
ting her for the Pacific ocean whaling, which they 
named the Mayflower, in honor of the ship that 
brought our forefathers here in- 1620. The ship sail- 
ed in Septembeii, 1821, and after making three suc- 
cessful voyages, and landing rising six thousand bar- 
rels of oil, a part of the owners sold to some gentle- 
men of New Bedford, where she was transferred in 
1831, and repaired, and sailed from that place in April, 
1831; apart is stiJl owned in this place. In J 821 
another company was formed, consisting principally of 
the same persons that built the Mayflower, and built 
another ship which they called the Fortune, in memo- 
ry of the second ship that came into these waters. 
This ship is two hundred and eighty tons, and has 
made two voyages, and landed about thirty-seven hun- 
dred barrels of oil, and is now on her third voyage. 
In 1830, the ship Arbella, of four hundred and four 
tons, and navigated by thirty-five men, was sent out, 
and 1831 the ship Levant, of three hundred eighty- 
five tons, navigated also by thirty-five men, sailed for 
the Pacific Ocean in pursuit of sperm whales. The 
two last named ships are of the largest class, and fitted 
out in the most thorough manner ; and it is hoped ihey 
may meet with sufficient success to induce others of 
our fellow-citizens to embark in this enterprize, which 
has brought wealth and prosperity to other towns, and 
is believed can be carried on here to as good advan- 
tage as from most other places. The three ships now 
employed in the whale fishery amount in the aggre- 
gate to 1060 tons, navigated by ninety-two officers 
and seamen ; the produce of this fishery may be esti- 
mated at about two thousand barrels of sperm oil an- 
nually. Connected with this establishment are the 
manufacture of about three thousand oil casks, and 
about fifteen hundred boxes, or of forty -five hundred 
pounds of sperm candles annually. 



APPENDIX. 345 

There are six sloops of about sixty tons each con- 
stantly employed in coasting between this place and 
Boston. They average about one trip a week in the 
summer season, and are usually from eight to sixteen 
hours in performing a passage. The distance being 
about fifty-five miles. A large part of their cargoes 
consist of the raw materials for the cotton, woollen, 
iron and cordage manufactories, as well as all kinds of 
goods and groceries for our stores and shops, and they 
carry back the various kinds of manufiictures which 
are produced here. There are also two schooners, of 
about ninety tons each, employed in carrying to and 
from Nantucket, New Bedford, and New York, arti- 
cles connected with our manufacturing establishments. 
There are also three vessels employed in bringing 
lumber from the state of Maine. An attempt was 
made in the years 1828 and 9, to run a steam-boat 
between this place and Boston, but it proved to be a 
losing concern, which was much regretted, as it was 
found to afford a mode of conveyance of great conve- 
nience to the inhabitants. 

Wharves. There are nine wharves near the centre 
of the town, one of which extends nine hundred feet 
into the harbor, and is called Long wharf. This was 
constructed in 1829, and is honorable to the enterpriz- 
ing proprietors. Having a plank flooring it affords a 
beautiful promenade, which is much frequented in 
summer by social parties who wish to enjoy a pleasant 
view and refreshing sea breeze. Besides these, there 
are three wharves on the south side of the harbor and 
one connected with the Cordage Factory at the north 
part of the town. On Water street, and the wharves 
which run from it, where most of the business connect- 
ed with navigation is transacted, there are twenty-one 
stores, sixteen warehouses, and a sufficient number 
of mechanics and artists of various descriptions. There 
is an aqueduct in the town which supplies the most of 
the families on the north side of the Town brook, at 



346 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

the rate of J5 annually for a single family, or $8 for 
two families in one house. The water is brought in 
logs from Billlngton Sea at the distance of about two 
miles. We have belonging to the town four fire-en- 
gines, well provided with hose and hydraulic pipes, and 
all the requisite appliances. We have also two large 
reservoirs connected with the aqueduct, affording an 
ample supply of water. The whole apparatus, with 
ladders and hooks are under the direction of men 
alert, and capable of the most efficient operation on 
any emergency which may occur. Never failing 
springs of the purest water are very numerous in 
town. 

Topography. 

Ponds, Rivers, and Brooks. The number of ponds 
within the limits of this town is supposed to be more 
than two hundred. 

Billington Sea. This was formerly called Fresh 
Lake. It was discovered about the )st of January, 
1621, by Francis Billington, while mounted on a tree 
standing on a hill. It was in the midst of a thick for- 
est, and when seen at a distance, Billington supposed 
it to be another sea. On the 8th of January, he went 
with one of the master's mates, to view the place. 
They found two lakes contiguous, separated by a nar- 
row space ; the largest is about six miles in circum- 
ference, and is the far famed Billington Sea. It is 
about two miles south-west from town, and from it is- 
sues the Town brook. In this pond there are two small 
islands. The largest, containing about two acres, hav- 
ing been planted with apple-trees, produces excellent 
fruit. This pond is well stocked with pickerel and 
perch. The majestic eagle is frequently seen cower- 
ing over this pond, and has for ages built its nest in the 
branches of the trees, visiting the flats in the harbor at 
low tide in pursuit of fish and birds. Loons, and the 
beautiful wood-duck produce their young in sequester- 
ed retreats about this pond, annually. 



APPENDIX. 347 

The fallow deer, tenacious of its ancient place of 
rendezvous, continue to visit this pond for drink, and 
to browse on its margin. For many years this beauti- 
ful pond was a favorite resort for social parties. A 
house was erected on the bank, a pleasure-boat was 
in the pond, and tea-parties and fishing-parties united 
in the happiest enjoyments. 

South Pond is situated four miles from town, — is a 
beautiful sheet of unruffled water, the bottom of pure 
white sand, with white and red perch playing in their 
native element. This pond has now become a place 
of fashionable resort for parties. There is no natural 
outlet; but about the year 1701, a water course-was 
cut from it, about half a mile in length, crossing the 
road and uniting with the head waters of Eel river. 
This project was executed under the direction of El- 
der Faunce, with the view of attracting alewives into 
the pond ; but it failed of success. 

Miirdock^s Pond lies about half a mile from our vil- 
lage in the rear of the burial hill. It is a deep round 
pond of about two acres, where ice is procured for ice 
houses ; and a small brook issuing from it crosses the 
west road, and is called Little brook, or Prison brook, 
which unites with the Town brook. 

Half-way Pond. This is ten miles southerly from 
our village. There is an island in this pond which 
formerly furnished a large supply of masts, and the 
road to it is still called the mast road. 

White Island Pond lies some distance north-wester- 
ly from this ; it is large, covering about 600, acres and 
is on the line which divides Plymouth from Wareham. 

Great Herring Pond, is about 15 miles from town, 
on the borders of Sandwich. It is two miles in length, 
and has an Indian population in its vicinity. Little 
Herring Pond is connected with it by a brook. The 
Leech gives name to one pond, though in most of them 
leeches are taken which, answer all the purposes of the 
true medicinal leech. 



348 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

Long Pond is two miles long, situated on the an- 
cient path to Sandwich of the first settlers, which is 
the shortest rout by two miles. It is six miles from 
town, and is famous for large pickerel and perch. 

Clam Pudding Pond is seven miles south, on the 
Sandwich road. It was formrely the resting stage for 
travellers to and from Cape Cod, and the settlers were 
in the practice of holding annual festivals on Clam 
Pudding at this pond. 

Crane Brook Ponds are the source of a brook pass- 
ing into Carver south westerly, on which are valuable 
furnaces and mills, manufacturing cast iron. 

Scook, is the Indian name for a small pond near 
Manomet point, where are numerous rocks. 

Coatuit is the Indian name for Half-way pond. 

Agawam is the name of the brook flowing from 
Coatuit, and passing into the sea at Wareham. It is 
a valuable stream, on which mills and forges are situat- 
ed and alewives abound in their season. 

Town Brook. This is the outlet from Billington 
Sea; it passes through town and empties into the har- 
bor a little south of Forefatliers Rock. It is of inesti- 
mable value to the town, being the seat of manufactures 
of great importance which will be described under the 
head of manufactures. There is a tannery and two 
grist-mills on this stream. Before the town sold their 
privilege to this brook, alewives were so abundant on 
their way to the Billington Sea that more than 800 bar- 
rels have been taken in one season. But the passing 
up of the herrings was for many years a source of 
much trouble and perplexity by interrupting the opera- 
tions of the mills and manufactures, occasioning an en- 
tire suspension during several weeks annually, to the 
great damage of the proprietors and the town. It was 
from these considerations that, at a meeting of the in- 
habitants of the town in 1821, it was voted to convey 
to the owners of the mills situated on the town brook, 
all the town's right to the use of the water and the bed 



APPENDIX. 349 

of the said brook, including the lower grist-mill, for the 
term of 50 years, on the condition that the said owners 
of mills pay to the town $5000 in ten years with in- 
terest annually. According to the arrangement adopted 
by the town, the interest accruing on the purchase 
money is to be distributed, one third, or flOO annual- 
ly, among such widows of the town as are not support- 
ed as paupers, and the remaining part, or f 200, to be 
distributed annually among the inhabitants of the town 
paying a poll tax, or poll taxes, in equal proportions 
as the selectmen of the town for the time being may 
direct. And when the principal sum of $5000 shall 
be paid, the selectmen shall cause the same to be 
funded in such stock as in their opinion will best se- 
cure to the town the interest thereof for said purposes 
during said term of fifty years. 

Eel River. This originates in ponds and springs 
back of Eel River Village, crosses the post road to 
Sandwich, and empties into the sea near Warren's 
farm. It is appropriately called Eel river, from the 
abundance of eels which it yields to the support of the 
industrious poor. Perhaps it will not be extravagant 
to say that about 150 barrels are annually taken there. 
Wonkinqua River takes its rise in this town, forms 
the boundary between it and Carver, and runs about 
four miles to Wareham line, below which there are on 
this stream some of the largest iron works in the county. 
Red Brook seeks the sea at Buttermilk Bay, over 
it is a small bridge crossed by the road from Sand- 
wich to Wareham. 

Willingsly Brook. This is about half a mile from 
our village, crossing the public road to Sandwich. So 
early as 1623, this place was recorded by the name of 
Hobbs's Hole, from an inlet or cove under a cliff where 
small vessels and boats were sheltered from storms. In 
1637, we find the name of Willingsly on record for the 
same place. It is now a location for a cluster of about 
24 houses, where there is some excellent land, and 
30 



350 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

flakes for curing fish. Here was the seat of Secretary 
Morton ; in this place he copied the church records, and 
wrote the Memorial, and volumes of other records. 

Double Brook, or Shingle Brook of the first settler?, 
runs northerly by the post-road to Sandwich, and unites 
with Eel river. A forge stands on it near the junction. 
Beaver Bam Brook is in the village of Manomet 
Ponds, and affords seats for several mills. Indian 
Brook is still further south near the shore ; it is small, 
but abounds with trout. There are between this town 
and the bounds of Kingston five small brooks or rivu- 
lets crossing the road ; near the third, reckoning from 
town, lived Deacon Hurst, who erected the first tannery 
in Plymouth, about 1640. Near the fourth brook, was 
the seat of Governor Prince, being a farm given him 
by the General Court when he removed from East- 
ham in 1665, and was called Plain Dealing. This 
has since been known by the name of Lothrop's farm, 
now Hedge's farm. On this brook stands a grist-mill 
and a valuable cordage manufactory. 

There are in the town about 12 bridges. The stone 
arch bridge was erected over the Town brook in the 
year 1812, at Spring hill, precisely at the spot where 
the colonists had their first interview with Massasoit in 
1621. The hill where the sachem with his train of 60 
men first appeared, was called Strawberry hill by the 
first planters, now Watson's hill. There is another 
bridge of wood over the Town brook at the wharf, 
which for many years was the principal passage way, 
and was called the lower road. This bridge is now 
the property of the town, but is kept in repair by indi- 
viduals, in consideration of some contiguous land grant- 
ed to them by the town. Eel river bridge is well 
known to travellers, though the public road to Sand- 
wich is now more westerly, and pass the Cotton 
factory. 

Hills. — Pinnacle Hill is in the vicinity of South 
Ponds. Sentry Hill and Indian Hill, are on the sea 
shore of Manomet. Gallow Hill is on the south side 



APPENDIX. 351 

of Wood's lane, and is the property of the heirs of Mr. 
Richard Holmes. Sparrow^s Hill is two miles west- 
erly, crossing; the main road to Carver. Pavkopun- 
nakuk, or Break Heart Hill of the early settlers. 
This is that remarkable sand hill ten miles on the road 
to Sandwich, which the first settlers had to pass on 
foot, when journeying to and from the Cape to attend 
the courts at Plymouth. The traveller now escapes 
that wearisome hill by taking the new offset road to the 
shore, at Mr. Joseph Harlow's house. 

There are on the road to Sandwich, in the woods, 
two rocks called Sacrifice rocks. They are covered 
with sticks and stones, which have been accumulating 
for centuries. It was the constant practice among the 
aboriginals, to throw a stone, or stick on the rock in 
passing. The late Rev. Mr. Hawley, who spent many 
years among the natives at Mashpee, endeavored to 
learn from them the design of this singular rite, but 
cuuld only conjecture that it was an acknowledgment 
of an invisible Being, the unknown God whom this 
people worshipped. This pile was their altar. 

Burying Hill, formerly Fort Hill. Immediately in 
ibe rear of the town is a hill, rising one hundred 
and sixty-fi.v.e feet above the sea level, embracing about 
eight acres. On the summit of the south-west side, 
the pilgrims erected first some temporary defence, but, 
in 1675, on the approach of Philip's war they erected 
a strong fort, one hundred feet square, strongly palisa- 
doed, ten and a half feet high. No other place 
could have been so well chosen, either for discover- 
ing the approach of savages, or for defending the town 
against their attacks. The settlement was rendered 
perfectly secure, and springs of water were at their com- 
mand. The whole circuit of the fort is still distinctly 
visible,* a watch-house of brick was also built near 
the fort. 

* On the 10th day of May, 1832, the present author planted ao 
elm tree near the centre of the old fort, which may serve to desig- 
nate its site to posterity. 



352 HISTORY or Plymouth. 

The view presented from this emiDence. embracinj 
our barLor and the shores of the bay for miles around, 
is Dot, perhaps, inferior lo any in our couDin". Let the 
antiquarian come at full tide and when the billows are 
calmed; and seat himself on this mount, that he may 
survey ibe incomparable landscape, and enjoy the in- 
teresting associations with which he will be inspired. 
Immediately beneath the hill lies the town in full view, 
and beyond this the harbor and shippiniT. The harbor 
is a beautiful expanse of water, bounded on the south 
by Manomet point, and near which commences a beach 
three miles in length, breasting the rolling billows of 
the bay, and serving as a barrier to the wharves ; and 
on the northeast by a promontory extending from 
Marshfield, called the Gurnet, on the point of which 
stands the ligljt-house. 

These several points, together with the opposite 
shores, completely enclose the harbor, having Clark's 
Island and Saquish in its bosom. Beyond these points 
opens the great bay of Massachusetts, bounded at the 
souiheru extremity by the peninsula of Cape Cod, 
which is distinctly visible, and spreading boundless to 
the north-east. On the north appears the flourishing 
village of Duxburv', shooting into the bay. and exhibit- 
ing a handsome conical hill, ever to be remembered as 
once the property and residence of the gallant Standish. 
Between Duxbury and Plymouth, is the harbor and 
pleasant village of Kingston. Having taken a survey 
of this magnificent group, so exceedingly endeared to 
the New Encjland antiquarian, and enjoyed a spiritual 
vision of the Mayflower, laden with men, women and 
children, come as founders of a mighty empire, we 
are next led to view a scene of more solemn contem- 
plation. The whole extent of the hill is covered with 
the symbols of mortality, the sepulchres of our venera- 
ted fathers. ^Ve tread on the ashes of some of those 
to whom we are indebted, under Providence, for our 
most precious earthly enjoyments, all that is valuable in 



APPENDIX. 353 

Irfe, much of principle and example which are consol- 
ing in death. With what solicitude do we search for 
a sepulchral stone bearing the names of Carver, Brad- 
ford, and their glorious associates. It excites some 
surprise that sixty years should have elapsed before a 
grave-stone w^as erected to the memory of the de- 
ceased pilgrims ; but it is probably to be asscribed to 
their poverty and want of artists. A considerable 
number of the oldest are English slate stone. No 
stone of an earlier date than 16S1 is to be found in this 
enclosure, though it is by no means probable that this 
was the first interment here. It is to the memory of 
Edward Gray, a respectable merchant, whose name 
frequently occurs in the old records. Here lies the 
body of Edward Gray, Gent., aged about fifty-two 
years, and departed this life the last of June, 1681. 
Edward and Thomas Gray, brothers, came to Ply- 
mouth about the year 1643. Thomas, it is said after- 
wards settled in Tiverton, or some say Connecticut. 
Edward married Sarah Winslow, daughter of John Wins- 
low ; their children were Desire, Elizabeth, Sarah, and 
John. In December, 1665, he married for his second 
wife, Dorothy Lettice, by whom were born Edward, and 
five other children. The first Edward Gray is frequent- 
ly mentioned in the old records. He made his mark for 
bis name, as was not uncommon in those days : by habits 
of industry and good management, liowever, he gained 
a character of respectable merchant, and acquired an 
estate worth £ 1-250 sterling, the largest estate at that 
time in the colony. The second Edward, according 
to accounts received from Lewis Bradtbrd, Esq.. lived 
at Tiverton, Rhode Island. Thomas and Samuel 
lived at Little Compton, and also three daughters, two 
of whom married -Coles, and tlie youngest married Ca- 
leb Loring, of Plympton, who is the ancestor of the 
Lorings in the north part of Plynipton. Dorothy, the 
second wife of Edward Gray, married, when a widow, 
Nathaniel CJaik, of Plvmouib, for her second husband, 
30* 



354 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

but finally separated from him, and died in the family of 
her son-m-law Caleb Loring, in May, 1728, aged more 
than eighty years. John Gray married Joanna Morton. 
Their children were Ann, who married Tinkham ; Jo- 
anna married • Ebenezer Fuller. Samuel married Pa- 
tience Wadsworth. Mercy married Jabez Fuller. 
Samuel Gray by Patience Wadsworth had several chil- 
dren ; those who survived infancy are Mary, Samuel, 
and Wait. John Gray married Desire Cushman, Janua- 
ry 26th, 1775. Their surviving children are John, born 
May 5th, 1777 ; Lewis, born May 3d, 1790. They 
lived in the old mansion house in Kingston. 

The following is the language of the Rev. Dr. 
Dwight, after visiting our burying hill in October, 1800. 
' Governor Carver was buried in the first burying 
ground, and is without a monument. This is dishon- 
orable to the citizens of Plymouth, but will, I hope, 
not long remain so. The true character of the ances- 
tors is becoming better and better understood by the 
people of New England, and their attention to the 
persons and facts mentioned in the early history of 
their country is continually increasing. The inhabit- 
ants of Plymouth, who, in this respect, hold the first 
station among their countrymen, will, I trust, feel the 
propriety of honoring with so becoming a tribute, the 
memory of a man to whom they are so greatly indebt- 
ed. The remains of Governor Bradford were inter- 
red without a doubt in the old burying ground, near 
those of his son.* But 

" Not a stone 
Tells where he lies." 

The pow^der house on the north part of the hill was 

* The following are copied from some of the stones on our bury- 
ing-hill : 

Here lyes ye body of ye Honorable Major William Bradford, who 
expired February ye 20, 1703-4, aged 79 years. 

He lived long, but still was doing good, 
And in his country's service lost much blood. 



APPENDIX. 355 

built of brick in the year 1770, and the small mound 
in the form of a fort in the valley a little south-east of 
it is said was built by Mr. Cotton's scholars in the 
time of Queen Ann's war. 

Cole's Hill. This is a small square, on the sea bank, 
at the foot of Middle street. It is n pleasant spot, af- 
fording a fine ocean scenery. Here too we feel an 
impulse from ancestral recollections. On this hill, 
according to common tradition, were deposited the re- 
mains of those renowned pilgrims who fell a sacrifice 
during the perilous winter of 1620 — 1. About the 
year 1735, an enormous freshet rushed down Middle 
street, by which many of the graves of the fathers 
were laid bare, and their bones washed into the sea. 

A breast-work and platform were erected on this 
bank in 1742. John Winslow, who at that time lived 
in town, had the direction of the work, and the selec- 

After a life well spent he 's now at rest — 
His very name and memory is blest. 

Here lyes ye body of Mr. Joseph Bradford, son to the late Hon- 
orable William Bradford, Esq., governor of Plymouth Colony, who 
departed this life July ye 20th, 1715, in the 85th year of his age. 

Here lyeth buried ye body of that precious servant of God, Mr, 
Thomas Cushman, who, alter he had served his generation accord- 
ing to the will of God, and particularly the church of Plymouth, 
for many years in the office of ruling elder, fell asleep in Jesus, 
December ye 10th, 1691, and in the 84th year of his age. 

Here lyes buried the body of Mr. Thomas Faunce, ruling elder 
of the First Church of Christ, in Plymouth. Deceased February 
27, An. Dom. 1745, in the 99th year of his age. 
The fathers where are they ? 
Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 

Here lyes ye body of Mr. Thomas Clark, aged 98 years. De- 
parted this life March 24th, 1697. 

If this is the same Clark that was the mate of the Mayflower, 
and the first who landed on the island that bears his name, as is 
generally supposed, then. he was 21 years of age when he arrived 
here. Little is known of his immediate posterity, if any sui-vived 
him. 

It is a remarkable circumstance, that from the first settlement ol 
this town, two ministeis only, the Rev. Mr. Little, and the Rev. 
Dr. Robbins, have been buried in this enclosure. 



356 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

tion of the spot. During the revolutionary war a bat- 
tery was erected at the same place, while intrench- 
ments were thrown up at a well selected spot, for de- 
fence of the town ; and a fort and garrison were estab- 
lished at the Gurnet, at the entrance of the jiarbor, by 
the United States. In the war with Great Britain in 
the year 1814, an intrenchment was again thrown up 
on Cole's hill for the defence of the town. 

Plymouth Beach. This commences at Eel river, 
and extending three miles northerly, is a natural bar- 
rier to the wharves against the sweeping surges of the 
ocean. 

Originally, the beach consisted of sand hills and hol- 
lows, covered with beach grass, excepting about 80 rods 
in length, and thirty rods in breadth, which was a thick 
forest. The inner side of the beach was covered with 
plum and wild cherry trees, and the swamp with large 
pitch pine and beech wood, with a large quantity of 
white grape-vines attached to the trees. In the cen- 
tre of the hollow, was a spot about fifty feet square, 
that was a firm green sward, and shaded by four beech 
trees, from which were suspended numerous vines 
with clusters of grapes, in their proper season. This 
was a pleasant resort for gentlemen and ladies, and 
was much frequented in the summer season, as is well 
remembered by persons now living. The point of the 
beach extended to the spot where the stone pier now 
stands, and not far from the point was a house of en- 
tertainment for mariners, as the harbor was a famous 
anchorage, and sometimes near one hundred vessels 
were seen riding in the Cow Yard. This was the nat- 
ural state of the beach till about 1770. Our ances- 
tors were well avv^are of the importance of the beach 
as security to the harbor, and we find in 1702 a penal- 
ty of five shillings imposed on any one who shall fell 
trees or set fires on the beach. We find again, J 723, 
1726, committees were chosen by the town to secure 
the beach from injury by cattle going at large, and they 



APPENDIX. ' 357' 

were enjoined as far as possible to prevent encroach- 
ments on said beach. In 1764, a viewing committee 
of the town reported £20 sufficient for the repairs of 
two small breaches near the woods. In December, 
1778, a great storm increased these two breaches, af- 
ter which a hedge fence was erected to accumulate 
the sand. In November, 1784, a tremendous gale, 
from the east, accompanied by the highest tide ever 
known, carried away a part of the woods on the east 
side, and overflowed the valley and swamp, by which 
all the trees were killed in about three years, except 
those on the high ground. The same year a commit- 
tee from the town viewed the breaches, and reported- 
that a wall of eighty feet in length and four feet high, 
would be competent to the repairs, with a hedge fence 
in low places ; and that it would require about 1000 
tons of stone, and at the cost of £414. The commit- 
the also recommended the digging a canal to turn the 
course of Eel river, that it may empty into the chan- 
nel within side of the beach as formerly ; the river 
having been diverted from its natural course by some 
proprietors of meadows for their benefit, about 1750. 
It was the decided opinion of Mr. John Peck, a skilful 
marine architect, about the year 1779, that for the safe- 
ty of the harbor a canal to turn the river back to its 
natural channel was indispensably necessary. The 
judgment of such a man ought to have received imme- 
diate attention. But in the year 1803 a committee 
of the town examined the ground and estimated the 
expense of a canal at a sum from $600 to $800. 
The town did not adopt this measure, and such were 
the extraordinary inroads of the soa, that in 1805 and 
1806, the beach was in such ruinous condition that 
the tide swept over it and boats actually crossed at the 
breaches ; nor was it long before a channel was worn 
in one of the breaches nme feet deep, and vessels load- 
ed with stone passed through. A promiscuous wall of 



358 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

Stone was now erected, but was soon entirely demol- 
ished by the surges of the sea, as if composed of pump- 
kin shells. 

A reviewing committee now reported that a sea wall 
of two thousand feet, requiring thirty thousand tons of 
stone, costing $45,000 was found necessary. The 
town petitioned our legislature from time to time for 
assistance in repairing the beach. In 1785, a grant 
was obtained of £500, conditional, that the town 
would raise and apply the like sum ; but, from inability, 
this was not complied with. In 1806, a township of 
land in the state of Maine was granted, on condition 
that the town raised and applied $'5000 in two years, 
which was accepted, and the township of land was sold 
for $9,500. In 1812, a lottery to raise $16,000 was 
granted by the general court, which sum was eventual- 
ly realized and applied as designed. Since that time 
another township of land has been granted for the 
same purpose. A sum amounting to more than 
$40,000 has been expended for repairs since the year 
1806, without any assistance from the general govern- 
nient. But in the year 1824, the town preferred a 
petition to congress for assistance, and the general 
government assumed to itself the future repairs, 
and in 1824, and 1825 made a grant of §43,566. 
In 1824 the repairs were conducted by Lieutenant 
Chase, of the Engineer department, who received 
the thanks of the town for his faithful and judicious 
performances. The next year the repairs were pros- 
ecuted under the supervision of Colonel Totten, of the 
corps of engineers, assisted by the collector of the 
port. 

The method adopted for the repairs, is, by triangu- 
lar frames of timber filled in with stones, around and 
over which the sand gathers and forms a new breast. 
In other places large bodies of brush are laid, which 
have produced the desired effect, accumulating sand 



APPENDIX. 359 

into cliffs and help the growth of beach grass. The 
frames employed are of three sizes, a part fourteen 
feet base, twelve feet rafters ; twelve feet base, tea 
feet rafters ; ten feet base, seven feet rafters. These 
frames are morticed and tenoned together, and 
placed in a line vertically on the surface of the beach, 
and filled with stones. The largest size contains five 
tons, and the smallest three tons. The whole quanti- 
ty of stones used from 1824 to 1831 is 14,997 tons. 
As an indirect aid to the security of the beach, a canal 
half a mile in length and fifteen feet wide was cut by 
the town in the year 1814, for the purpose of conduct- 
ing Eel river to its native outlet within side of the 
beach, which has been found to be of very essential 
advantage. This outlet will require annual vigilance, 
and it is confided to posterity as a work of great im- 
portance to the preservation of the harbor. The re- 
pairs of this beach which has so long engaged atten- 
tion are now considered as complete, and with care 
and a little annual expense, will probably continue as 
a mound oj defence for ages. 

The Gurnet is a peninsula, or point of high land 
originating from IMarshfield, and extending about 7 
miles into the bay. On its southern extremity is sit- 
uated the light-house. It was first erected in 1768, 
by the then province, at the expense of £660 175. 
and in 1801, it w^as consumed by fire. The light- 
house now standing was erected by the United States, 
in 1803. It exhibits two lights, which are about 70 
feet above the level of the sea. There is near the 
point a farm of rich soil which supports one family. 

Saquish is a head land joined to the Gurnet by a 
narrow neck, lies contiguous to Clark's Island, and 
contains 12 or 14 acres. 

Clark's Island is the first land that received the 
footsteps of our fathers who formed the exploring par- 
ty from Cape Cod. It received its name from Clark, 
the master's mate of the Mayflower, who first took 



^60 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

possession of it with the shallop, December 8th, 1620, 
There is a tradition that Edward Dotey, a young man, 
attempted to be first to leap on the island, but was se- 
verely checked for his forwardness, that Clark might 
first land and have the honor of giving name to the island, 
which it still retains. My authority for this tradition 
is Mr. Joseph Lucas, whose father was the great 
grandson of Edward Dotey. The anecdote has been 
transmitted from father to son, so tenaciously that it 
need not be disputed. He also states, that Edward 
Dotey was one of the earliest settlers in that part of 
Plymouth which is now Carver, where he died at an 
advanced age, and his estate there was inherited by his 
descendants of the same name till within a few years. 
This island contains 86 J acres, as appears by the follow- 
ing survey. ' By virtue of a warrant from his excellency 
Sir Edward Andros, knight, captain general and gover- 
nor in chief of his majesty's territory and dominion of 
New England, bearing date, Boston, the 23d of Februa- 
ry 1687, — I have surveyed and laid out for Mr. Nathan- 
iel Clark, a certain small island, being known by the 
name of Clark's Island, and is situated and lying in 
New Plymouth Bay, bearing from the meeting house 
in Plymouth north by north-east, about three miles, 
and is bounded round with water and flats, and con- 
tains eighty-six acres and a quarter and three rods. 
Performed this 3d day of March 1687. 

' Phillip Wells, Surveyor,'' 

In Governor Hutchinson's history of Massachusetts, 
this is called one of the best islands in Massachusetts 
Bay. The growth of wood originally was chiefly red 
cedar, and was formerly an article of sale at Boston, for 
gate posts. In 1690, Clark's Island was sold to Samuel 
Lucas, Elkanah Watson, and George Morton. The 
family of the late John Watson, Esq. have been the 
proprietors of this island for half a century, and still 



APPENDIX. 361 

reside on it. There is at present but one island in the 
harbor of Plymouth ; tiiat which was formerly called 
Brown's Island is only a shoal lying about half a mile 
east by north from Beach point. ' This it is suppos- 
ed was once upland, and there is a tradition, that 
stumps of trees have been seen here.' In Winthrop's 
Journal, p. 87, it is said that in 1635, September 6ih, 
* Two shallops, going laden with goods to Connecticut, 
were overtaken in the night with an easterly storm, and 
cast away upon Brown's Island, near the Gurnet's Nose, 
and the men all drowned.' 

Cow Yard. An anchorage in Plymouth harbor near 
Clark's Island. It takes its name from a cow whale, 
which once came into it and was caught, with her calf. 
This was formerly a famous anchorage for fishermen- 

tSatter^s Beach is contiguous to Marshfield Beach, 
near Clark's Island. 

High Pines is a piece of salt meadow which lies 
back of Clark's Island. * William ShurtlefF exchanges 
with the precinct, the precinct give him ten acres of 
upland and meadow, and he conveys to them a piece 
of salt meadow, six acres more or less, at High Pines/ 
— County Records, h. v.fol. 113, 114. 

Sheep Pasture. At the commencement of the last 
century, the inhabitants considered it an object worthy 
of attention to encourage the rearing of sheep on the 
towm's land. Accordingly in May, 1703, a tract of 
three miles square was granted to a number of individ- 
uals, for their improvement as a sheep pasture. This 
tract was within the bounds of Plymouth, Rochester, 
Plympton, Carver, and extending to Smelt pond in 
Kingston. 

The plan which they adopted was to divide the pro- 
perty into 322 shares, which were taken up by 16 per- 
sons. A house and folds were erected, and a shep- 
herd was employed who resided on the spot. Twen- 
ty acres were allowed for cultivation, and the sheep 
were to be folded on the land the three first summers, 
31 



362 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

with the view of bringing it into grass. In the year 
1704, the town passed a vote that the said land shall 
be, and rem'\in to the persons therein named, accord- 
ing to the number of shares they have signed for, and 
to such others as shall join them, and to their heirs for- 
ever. The endeavors of the proprietors were attended 
with little success, and in the year 1712, they began 
to think of resigning the land back to the town, and 
in 1712, this was done, and the project altogether 
abandoned as impracticable. Their number of sheep 
was about 360. In 1768 a proposition was made to 
revive this project as a town concern, but it was wise- 
ly rejected. Subsequently to 1784, this tract was sold 
at different times ; the last 800 acres were disposed of 
in 1798. 

The Militia of the town. One company of Artillery, 
commanded by Eleazer S. Bartlett. One do. Light 
Infantry, called the Standish Guards, commanded by 
John Bartlett, 3d. Two companies Infantry, called 
South and North. South company, commanded by 
George W. Bartlett. North company, by Asa Bar- 
row, Jr. 

The above are attached to the 1st Regiment, com- 
manded by Col. Leander Lovell, and belong to the 
1st Brigade 5th Division. 

Manufactures. Tlie Manufactures of Iron are vari- 
ous, and some of them extensive. On the stream 
called the Town brook are two forges^ in which are 
made anchors, mill-cranks, plough-shares, sleigh-shoes, 
&,c. Formerly shovels were made at these works, un- 
der the superintendence of Mr. Ames, whose manufac- 
ture of the same article in Easton has since become so 
celebrated. 

The rolling-mill and nail factory on the same stream 
have been in operation many years ; the former was re- 
built in the year 1807, on the site of a slitting-mill for 
the manufacture of nail-rods, formerly the property of 
Martin Brimmer, Esq., of Boston. At this establish- 



APPENDIX. 363 

ment are made about three tons of nails per day. 
Nearly all the nail machinery in this factory is the in- 
vention of Mr. Samuel Rogers, of East Bridgewater, 
who received large sums from the proprietors for his 
patents. There is one machine, lately invented and 
constructed by Mr. Joseph Lucas, of this town, on a 
new principle, by which, while much of the manual la- 
bor is saved, a larger quantity of nails can be made in 
a given time than by any other machine. As a speci- 
men of its performance, it may be mentioned, that the 
produce of something less than five hours' work was 
Oiic thousand and twenty-five pounds of lOd. or board 
nails, of the very best quality. Mr. David Bradford, 
of this town, is the inventor of another nail machine, 
considered equal if not superior t-o the best of the old 
construction. 

Near the rolling-mill, is an air furnace, occasionally 
used in casting machinery for the iron works. Here 
is also a furnace belonging to the same establishment, 
for converting bar iron into blistered steel. Thirty 
cords of wood are consumed in the process of baking, 
which requires from six to ten days. About eighteen 
tons are made in a batch. 

At Eel River is another rolling-mill of more mo- 
dern construction. It commenced operation in 
June, 1827. The head and fall of water in this privi- 
lege are about thirty feet, with an unfailing stream. 
The rolling-mill and nail factory connected with it are 
built of granite, in a very strong and durable manner ; 
the former is eighty by fifty feet in the clear, and the 
latter seventy-two by forty feet. 

The rolling-mill will manufacture the present year 
about seventeen hundred tons of iron into nail-rods, 
plates and hoops. 

Another nail factory, about one mile from these 
works, is supplied by them with plates ; and on the 
same dam with it is a forge where bar-iron of superior 
tenacity is made from scraps. Below these, on the 



364 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

same stream, is a rivet factorvj where may be seen a 
machine for making rivets, invented by Mr. Timothy 
Allen, another ingenious meclianic of Plymouth, and 
intended to supeisede the ill-contrived tools at present 
used. It has been in successful operation one or 
two years, and fully answers the expectations of the 
inventor. 

It may not be amiss to include in this enumeration, 
a factory lately put in operation by Captain Samuel 
Bradford, for making staves, to be used for nail casks. 
By this machinery the staves are sawed from the log, 
jointed 7 and tapered into the precise form necessary to 
give the cask the required shape. 

Cotton Factories. The Cotton Factory on Town- 
brook was erected in 1813; dimensions ninety-two by 
thirty-six, and is four stories, including basement and 
attic. It contains about sixteen hundred spindles and 
thirty-four looms, and manufactures from nine hun- 
dred to one thousand yards of cloth daily, all about 
S yard wide, employing about fifty-four hands. 

The factory at Eel River was erected in 181 2y 
and its dimensions are ninety-two by thirty-six, and is 
six stories, including the basement and attic. Belong- 
ing to the same establishment and at the same dam, is 
a smaller building which contains spinning machinery 
also. 

There are about two thousand spindles in both, and 
about forty looms in operation. From eleven to twelve 
hundred yards of cloth are manufactured daily, part 
of which is three fourths and part one yard wide. 
This factory gives employment to about sixty-four per- 
sons. The factory at JVIancmet Ponds contains about 
three hundred spindles, and manufactures about 50 
pounds coarse warp per day, a considerable portion of 
which is colored, and made into cod and mackerel lines, 
which are lately introduced into use, and bid fair to su- 
persede those made of hemp altogether. These are 
twisted and laid by water in a small line-walk attached 



APPENDIX. 365 

to the factory. There is also a small cotton factory on 
the forge stream at Eel River, which inanuiactures 
coarse warps, and a very superior kind of wicking used 
for making the sperm candles. There is at the forge 
dam at Eel River, a small nail factory, where about one 
thousand nails are made daily. 

Plymouth Cordage Company w^as incorporated in 
1824. Their rope-walk situated in the north part of the 
town and near the Kingston line, is three stories high, 
capable of employing eighty hands and making five 
hundred tons of cordage per year. Their cordage is of 
the patent kind, in high repute, and laid by water power. 

There is another rope-walk in town, operating by 
water power, but no statement of the extent of its oper- 
ations could be procured. 

There is also in town a twine and line manufactory, 
where eight tons of hemp are manufactured annually 
into twine and various kinds of line, which come to a 
profitable market.* 

Ship building was formerly carried on to considera- 
ble extent in this town, many excellent vessels have 
been sent from our ship yards, but the business is now 
diminished on account of the scarcity of timber. In 
1779, a packet ship was built in this town for Congress, 
by Mr. John Peck, who was at that time much celebra- 
ted for his skill as a marine architect. The ship was 
called the Mercury, and was commanded by Captain 
Simeon Sampson, and employed to carry public dis- 
patches to our ministers in France. The ship-yard 
was on the spot which is now the garden of Captain 
Lothrop Turner. 

iN'ews Papers. In the year 1785, Nathaniel Cover- 
ly, of Boston, commenced the publication of a newspa- 
per in town, entitled the Plymouth Journal, but from 
its limited circulation, and our nearness to the metrop- 
olis, it was discontinued after a few months. In 1822, 
Mr. Allen Danforth commenced the Old Colony Me- 

31* 



366 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

moi'ia], which is published every Saturday. This pa- 
per is increasing in reputaiion and is well snpporied,r 
Connected widi the printing office is a newspaper 
reading room, where intelligence from various quarters 
is daily received, and is a pleasant resort for the read- 
ing gentlemen at their leisure hours^ Under the same 
roof is a book-store and bindery, and a circulating li- 
brary. May lllh, 1832, appeared the first number of 
a weekly newspaper, entitled the ' Pilgrim,' published 
by Benjamin Drew, Jr. every Thursday.. This speci- 
men is handsomely executed, and skilfully arranged, 
and presages favorably for future numbers. 

There are three licensed public taverns in town, all 
of which are commodious, and well provided and at- 
tended ; and there are two other taverns on the road 
to Sandwich. 

Mrs. Nicholson's boarding-house, in Court square, 
has long been established, and is known to the public 
for its excellent accommodations. 

The first regular siage commenced running from 
this town to Boston in 1796.- We have now a stage 
establishment equal to any in the country, running 
daily in various directions, and provided with excel- 
lent horses and careful and attentive drivers. 

There w'as no post office in this town prior to the 
revolutionary war. 

The first post office establishment was by our 
Provincial Congress, May 12ih, 1775. Their rate of 
postage was considerably higher than at the present time. 
They established a mail route from Caaibridge through 
Plymouth and Sandwich to Falmouth, once a week. 
In June, 1775, the Provincial Congress appointed Wil- 
liam Watson, Esq., post master in this town, and Tim- 
o.lhy Goodwin and Joseph Rowland, joint post-riders. 

£.lms House, fn 1826, the town purchased a {e\v 
acTes of land w^ell located, and erected a very commo- 
dious brick house and out houses, at the expense of 
from four to five thousand dollars,, where the poor are 



APPENDIX, 367 

well accommodated under the care of an overseer, and 
amply and comfortably provided for. The average 
number in the house is thirty-three, and the expense 
to the town for their support, overbalancing their earn- 
ings is about one thousand dollars annually. This sum 
includes the expense of a few individuals partly sup- 
ported out of the house. 

Market, Our provision market affords an ample 
supply of the various substantials, the conveniences, 
and the luxuries of life, such as beef, pork, mutton, 
poultry, and sometimes venison. At our fish market 
we have cod, haddock, halibut, mackerel, bass, tau- 
taug, lobsters, eels, alewives, and clams. Should 
any one complain for the want of a dinner, he must be 
chargeable with inexcusable indolence, and probably 
with intemperance. 

Societies. Pilgrim Society. This society was 
established in 1820, by the descendants of the first set- 
tlers at Plymouth, and by such others as were desirous 
of perpetuating their principles, and commemorating 
their virtues. The number of members of this socie- 
ty amounts to several hundred, and it is desirable that 
the number should be increased. The terms of ad- 
mission are ten dollars, and those who duly appreciate 
the principles of the institution and the characters of 
the puritan fathers, cannot fail to unite in this duty of 
filial piety, and contribute their aid to its support. An 
appropriate diploma, prepared by Mr. Penniman, of 
Boston, has been, and is designed to be distributed 
among the members. The diploma is about 15 inches 
by 10, the upper part gives a view of Plymouth har- 
bor, the beach, and island. Below is a sketch of Ply- 
mouth village, and surrounding objects, as now pre- 
sented to view. The stated meetings of the society 
are held at Pilgrim Hall, on the 22d of December, and 
for the choice of officers, the last Monday in May. The 
officers for the present year, 1832, are, Alden Brad- 
ford, president, Z. Bartlett, vice-president, Benjamin 



368 HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

M. Watson, recording secretary, Pelham W. Warren, 
corresponding secretary, Isaac L. Hedge, treasurer, 
James Thacher, librarian and cabinet keeper. There 
are eleven trustees, and a committee of arrangements 
consisting of three. 

The Old Colony Peace Society, and the Plymouth 
County Temperance Society, hold their meetings oc- 
casionally in this town. There is in town a Free Ma- 
son Society, and a Debating Society. The ladies have 
a Fragment Society, by which the poor in town are es- 
sentially benefited. 

Plymouth Bank was incorporated June 23d, 1812, 
capital $100,000; first president, William Davis; cash- 
ier, William Goodwin. President, 1832, Barnabas 
Hedge ; cashier, Nathaniel Goodwin. 

Plymouth Institution for Savings, president, Barna- 
bas Hedge ; treasurer, Allen Danforth. Office at Ply- 
mouth Bank. Deposit days first Tuesday of every 
month. Amount of deposites on the first Tuesday of 
January, 1832, $50,000. 

Old Colony Bank, incorporated February, 1832, cap- 
ital $100,000; president, Jacob Covington ; cashier, 
Ebenezer G. Parker. 

Temperance. The promotion of temperance has 
long been an object of solicitude among most of the 
inhabitants of this town, and they have wisely attend- 
ed to the awful desolations of intemperance, and to the 
great work of reformation which is now extending 
around us. Most decided is our opinion that this 
alarming evil is only to be suppressed by a general 
union in the means of entire abstinence from all ar- 
dent spirits, as a drink, or as an auxiliary to labor. 
It is auspicious to our community that it has pleased 
Heaven to bless us with the temperance reformation. 
It may be presumed that the consumption of ardent 
spirits, is diminished not less than three fourths within 
the last seven years, and in the same diminished pro- 
portion is life sacrificed, health, happiness, and domes- 



APPENDIX. 369 

tic comfort destroyed, and the character and morals of 

our fellow men impaired by the practice of intemper- 
ance. Long may it be our happy condition that our 
temperance societies may meet with the co-operation 
of all classes of people in efforts to improve the health, 
and increase industry, and the means of living, self- 
respect, love of character, and give a new impulse to 
the domestic virtues in sober life. 

Formerly there were two rum distilleries in this town, 
producing large quantities of New England rum, from 
which the neighboring towns were supplied with the 
fiery element; and considerable quantities were sent to 
the southern states annually. One of these houses 
vi^as located where Mr. Gale's long house now stands, 
and the other occupied the lot now vacant, adjoining 
the house of Mr. William Holmes. This was taken 
down in 1814, and we hope never to see another erect- 
ed. 

It is a matter of gratula^ion that there is so great a 
combination against intemperance throughout our coun- 
try. It is truly honorable to all who enlist in this ho- 
ly warfare ; and may God grant that every effort cal- 
culated to annihilate the practice of inebriation, may be 
crowned with success. 



The following is a list of the names of those gentle- 
men who have delivered discourses in the town on the 
anniversary of the arrival of our Forefathers. Those 
marked with an asterisk, {^) have not been printed. 

1769, First celebration by Old Colony Club. 

1770, Second celebration by Old Colony Club. 

1771, Third celebration by Old Colony Club. 

1772, Rev. Chandler Robbins— For Old Colony 
Club. 

1773, Rev. Charles Turner— For Old Colony Club. 
By the town and by the first parish. 



^!tX) HISTORY OF PLYMOUTH. 

1774, Rev. Gad Hitchcock, Pembroke. 

1775, Rev. Samuel Baldwin, Hanover. 

1776, Rev. Sylvanus Conant, Middleborough. 

1777, Rev. Samuel West, Dartmouth. 

1778, Rev. Timothy Hilliard, Barnstable.* 

1779, Rev. William Shaw, Marshfield.* 

1780, Rev. Jonathan Moor, Rochester.* 

From this time the public observances of the day 
was suspended, till 

1794, Rev. Chandler Robbins, D. D. of Plymouth. 

1795, ^ 

1796, > Private Celebration. 

1797, ) 

1798, Dr. Zaccheus Bartlett, Plymouth, Oration.* 

1799, The day came so near that appointed for the 
ordination of Rev. Mr. Kendall, that it was not cel- 
ebrated by a public discourse. 

1800, John Davis, Esq., Boston, Oration.* 

1801, Rev. John Allyn, D. D., Duxbury. 

1802, John Q. Adams, Esq., Quincy, Oration. 

1803, Rev. John T. Kirkland, D. D., Boston.* 

1804, (Lord's Day) Rev. James Kendall, Ply- 
mouth.* 

1805, Alden Bradford, Esq., Boston. 

1806, Rev. Abiel Holmes, D. D., Cambridge. 

1807, Rev. James Freeman, D. D., Boston.* 

1808, Rev. Thaddeus M. Harris, Dorchester. 

1809, Rev. Abiel Abbot, Beverly. 
1811, Rev. John Elliot, D. D. Boston. 
1815, Rev. James Flint, Bridgewater. 

1817, Rev. Horace Holley, Boston.* 

1818, Wendell Davis, Esq., Sandwich.* 

1819, Francis C. Gray, Esq., Boston.* 

1820, Daniel Webster, Esq., Boston, by Pilgrim 
Society. 

1824, Professor Edward Everett, Cambridge, by 
Pilgrim Society. 



APPENDIX. 371 

1829, Hon. William Sullivan, Boston, by Pilgrim 
Society. 

1831, Rev. John Brazer, Salem, by First Parish in 
Plymouth. 

The following anniversaries were commemorated by 
the third parish in Plymouth. 

1826, Rev. Richard S. Storrs, Braintree. 

1827, Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D., Boston. 

1828, Rev. Samuel Green, Boston. 

1829, Rev. Daniel Huntington, Bridgewater. 

1830, Rev. Benjamin Wisner, D. D., Boston. 

1831, Rev, John Codman, D. D., Dorchester. 



HYMNS, ODES, he. 

Written for the Anniversaries of the Landing vf 
the Pilgrims. 



Hymn for the 22d of December. 

Tune—* Old Hundred: 

Hail, .Pilgrim Fathers of our race ! 
With grateful hearts, your toils we (race ; 
Again this Votive Day returns. 
And finds us bending o'er your urns. 

Jehovah's arm prepar'd the road ; 
The Heathen vanish'd at his nod : 
He gave his Vine a lasting root ; 
He loads his goodly boughs with fruit. 

The hills are cover'd with its shade ; 
Its thousand shoots like cedars spread : 
Its branches to the sea expand, 
And reach to broad Suj)erior's strand. 

Of peace and truth the gladsome ray 
Smiles in our skies and cheers the day ; 
And a new Empire's 'splendent wheels 
Roll o'er the tops of western hills. 

Hail, Pilgrim Fathers of our race ! 
With grateful hearts your toils we trace ; 
Oft as this Votive Day returns. 
We'll pay due honors to your urns, 
32 



1 



374 hymns and odes. 

Ode for the 22d of December. 

By Hon. John Davis. 

Composed for the Anniversary Festival at Plymouth, in the 
year 1793. 

Sons of renov/ned Sires, 
Join in harrrvonious choirs. 

Swell your loud songs; 
Daughters of peerless dames. 
Come with your mild acclaims, 
Let their revered names 

Dwell on your tongues. 

From frowning Alhion's seat. 
See the fam'd band retreat. 

On ocean tost; 
Blue tumbling billows roar, 
By keel scarce plou;^h'd before. 
And bear them to this shore, 

Fetter'd with frost. 

By yon wave-beaten Rock, 
See the illustrious flock 

Collected stand ; 
To seek some sheltering grove, 
Tiieir faithful partners move. 
Dear pledges of their love 

In either hand. 

Not winter's sullen face, 
Mot the fierce tawny race 

In arms array *d ; 
"Not hunger shook their faith, 
Not sickness' baleful breath, 
Nor Carver's early death 

Their souls dismay'd. 



HYMNS AND ODES. 375 | 

Water'd by heavenly dew, {^ 

The Germ of Empire grew, ^ 

Freedom its loot ; t) 

From the cold northern pine, ^ 

Far I'ward the burning line, 
Spreads the luxuriant vine, 

Bending with fruit. 



Columbia, child of heav'n. 
The best of blessings giv'n, 

Rest on thy head ; 
Beneath thy peaceful skies, 
While prosperous tides arise. 
Here turn thy grateful eyes. 

Revere the dead. 



Here trace the moss-grown stones, 
"Where rest their inould'ring bones. 

Again to rise ; 
And let thy sons be led. 
To emulate the dead, 
While o'er their tombs they tread 

With moisten'd eyes. 

Sons of renowned Sires, 
Join in harmonious choirs, 

Swell your loud songs ; 
Daughters of peerless dames. 
Come with your mild acclaims, 
Let their revered names 

Dwell on jour tongueg- 



376 HYMNS AND ODES. 



Hymn. — Composed by Rev. Dr. Holmes. 

Sung at the 186th Anniversary of the Landing of the Fathert 
at Phjmouth, December 22d, 1806. 

Tune—' Old Hundred: 

Our Father's God ! to Thee we raise, 
With one accord, tije song of praise ; 
To thee our grateful tribute pay.. 
Oft as returns this festal day. 

With tearful eyes we here will trace 
Thy wonders to the Pilgrim race, 
And while those wonders we explore. 
Their names extol, thy name adore. 

Our Father's God ! Thy own decree 
Ordain'd the Pilgrims to be free ; 
In foreign lands they own'd thy care, 
And found a safe asylum there. 

When the wide main they travers'd o'er. 
And landed on this sea-beat shore. 
The Pi) ofrims' Rock must e'er proclaim 
Thy guardian care was still the same. 

Our Father's God ! while here we trace 
Our lineage to the Pilgrim race, 
O may we like those PilgrirHS live, 
And in the sons the sires revive. 

Our Father's God ! to thee we raise, 
With one accord, the song of praise ; 
To thee our grateful tribute pay, 
Ofl as returns this festal day. 



HYMNS AND ODES. 



Two Hundred Years ago. 



377 



■The following Song, composed by Rev- Dr. Flint, for the oc- 
casion, was sung at the Public Dinner at Plymouth, on 
the 22d December, 1820. 

1. Come, listen to my story, 

ThougVi often told before. 
Of men who pass'd to e;lory, 

Through toil and travail sore ; 
Of men who did for conscience sake 

Their na'.ive land for3go, 
And sought a home and freedom here 

Two hundred years ago. 

2. 0, 'twas no earthborn passion, 

That bade the adventurers stray ; 
The world and all its fashion. 

With them had passed away. 
A voice from heaven bade them look 

Above the^hings below^. 
When here they sought a resting place 
Two hundred years ago. 

3. O, dark the scene and dreary, 

When here they set them down; 
Of storms and billows weary, 

And chill'd with winter's fiown. 
Deep moan'd the forests to the wind, 

Loud howl'd the savage foe. 
While here their evening piayer arose 

Two hundred years ago. 

4. ' Twould drown the heart in sorrow 

To tell of all their woes ; 
Nor respite could they borrow, 
• But from the grave's repo'=:e. 
Yet nought could daunt the Pilgrim Band, 

Or sink their courage low, 
Who came to plant the Gospel here 
Two hundred years ago. 

32* 



378 HYMNS AND ODES. 

5. With humble prayer and frsting, 

In every strait and grief. 

They sought the Everlasting, 

And found a sure relief. 
Their cov'nant God o'ershadowM them. 

Their shield from every foe. 
And gave them here a dwelling place 
Two hundred years ago. 

6. Of fair New-England's glory, 

They laid the corner stone ; 
This praise, in deathless story, 

Their grateful sons shall own. 
Prophetic they foresaw in tirae, 

A mighty state should grow. 
From them a few, faint Pilgrims here, 

Tivo hundred years ago. 

7. If greatness be in daring, 

Our Pilgrim Sires were^reat. 
Whose sojourn here, unsparing, 

Disease and famine wait; 
And oft their treach'rous foes combin'd 

To lay the strangers low, 
While founding here their commonwealth 

Two hundred years ago. 

8. Though seeming overzealous 

In things by us deem'd light. 
They were but duly jealous 

Of power usurping right. 
They nobly chose to part with all 

Most dear to men below. 
To worship here their God in peace, 

Two hundred years ago. 

9. From seeds they sowed with weeping. 

Our richest harvests rise. 
We still the fruits are reaping 
Of Pilgrim enterprize. 



HYMNS AND ODES. 379 

Then grateful we to them will pay 

The debt of faiiie we owe. 
Who planted here the tree oflife 

Two hundred years ago. 

10. As comes this period yearly. 

Around our cheerful fires, 
We'll think and tell how dearly 

Our comforts cost our sires. 
For them will wake the votive song, 

And bid the canvass glow. 
Who fix'd the home of freedom here 

Two hundred years ago. 



ODE 



For the Celebration of the Anniversary of the Pilgrim 
Society of Plymouth, 22d December, 1824. 

By J. PlERPONT. 

The pilgrim fathers — where are they? 

The waves that brought them o'er 
Still roll in the bay, and throw their spray 

As they break along the shore : 
Still roll in the bay, as they rolled that day, 

When the Mayflower moored below. 
When the sea around was black with storms, 

And white the shore with snow. 

The mists, that wrapped the pilgrim's sleep. 

Still brood upon the tide ; 
And his rocks yet keep their watch by the deep, 

To stay its waves of pride. 
But the snow-white sail, that he gave to the gale 

When the heavens looked dark, is gone : — 
As an angel's wing, through an opening cloud. 

Is seen, and then withdrawn. 



380 HYMNS AND ODES. 

The pilgrim exile — sainted name! — 

The hill, whose icy brow 
Rejoiced, when he came, in the morning's flame, 

In the morning's flame burns now. 
And the moon's cold light as it lay that night 

On the hill-side and the sea. 
Still lies where he laid his houseless head ; — 

But the pilgrim — where is he ? 

The pilgrim fathers are at rest : 

When Summer's throned on high, 
And the world's warm breast is in verdure dressed, 

Go, stand on the hill where they lie. 
The earliest ray of the golden day 

On that hallowed spot is cast 5 
And the evening sun, as he leaves the world, 

Looks kindly on that spot last. 

The pilgrim spirit has not fled : 

It walks in noon's broad light ; 
And it watches the bed of (he glorious dead, 

With the holy stars, by night. 
It watches the bed of the brave who have bled. 

And shall guard this ice-bound shore, 
Till the waves of the bay, where the Mayflower lay. 

Shall foam and freeze no more. 



Original Hymn. 

By Rev. S. Deane, for the 22d of Dec ember, 1831. 

Lo ! the rising star of Freedom 

Once our pilgrim fathers blest } 

By her light, ordained to lead them, 

To the land of promised rest. 

Star of heaven ! 

Star of heaven! 

Trav'ling toward the distant west 



HYMNS AND ODES. 

While their countless toils enduring, 

Faif.h the promise kept in sijgjht : 

For themselves and sons securingj, 

Home and country, truth and light. 

Star oi heaven ! 

Star of heaven! 

Pointing to Jehovah's might. 

Now their relics round us lying. 

Grateful children guard their clay ; 
While their spirits never dying, 
Hope has borne on wings away : 
Star of heaven! 
Star of heaven ! 
Guiding to a brighter day- 
Raise we honors to their merit. 

Temples sculptured with their name ? 
No ! their virtues to inherit. 

Seals their bright and conscious fame. 
Stars of heaven! 
Stars uf heaven ! 
High they shine with ceaseless flame. 

See the lights around us gleaming, 
Still to guide the pilgrim's eyes : 
See the star of empire beaming 
Bids their children's glory rise. 
Star of heaven i 
Star of heaven! 
Glowing still in western skies. 



381 



Original Hymn, 

For the Dedication of the Mew Church, 
By Rev. J. Pierpont. 

1. The winds and waves are roaring: 
The Pilgrims met for prayer; 
And here, their God adoring, 
They stood in open air. 



382 HYMNS AND ODES. 

When breakino- day they greeted, 
And when its close was calm, 

The leafless woods repeated 
The music of their psalm. 

2. Not thus, O God, 1o praise thee, 

Do we, their children throng: 
The temple's arch we raise thee 

Gives back our choral song. 
Yet, on the winds that bore thee 

Their worship and their prayers. 
May ours come up before thee 

From hearts as true as theirs ! 

8. Wha<^ have we. Lord, to bird us 

To this, the Pilgrim's shore ! — 
Their hill of graves behind us, 

Their watery way before. 
The wintry surge, that dashes 

Against the rocks they trod. 
Their memory, and tbcir ashes — 

Be thou their guard, O God ! 

4. We would not, Holy Father, 
Forsake this hallowed spot, 
Till on that shore we gather 

Where graves and griefs are not 
The shore where true devotion 
Shall rear no pillared shrine, 
And see no other ocean 
Than that of love divine. 



^'h 






^^ 



I 




■A . "^ aV 



;-- %v-^' f^;^':'''^^^o^' /i 




